Premier League 2011-12 Season: Ranking the 20 Best Goals

Jamie McDonald/Getty Images

Wayne Rooney won the best goal of 2010-11 with his stunning bicycle kick in the Manchester Derby—but that's old news now.

The 2011-12 season has been awash with some great strikes, stunning goals, blistering free kicks and moments of pure incredulity.

Here are the 20 best Premier League goals of the season—ranked, of course.

20. Craig Gardner

I have to admit that I wasn't expecting to be writing Craig Gardner's name when I started this list, but his long-range free kick against Wigan was deserving of a top-20 place.

It's the cross-slice technique that really makes it stand out.

19. Gareth Bale

England fans the world over just wish he wasn't Welsh.

Gareth Bale finished this one with aplomb after some neat build-up play. Manchester City's Joe Hart had no answer.

18. Bryan Ruiz

Clive Rose/Getty Images

Bryan Ruiz made a habit of scooping the ball over goalkeepers and lobbing them this season. Long may it continue when it achieves results such as this.

Click here to see a great goal.

17. Jonas Gutierrez

Jonas Gutierrez' goal against Wolves was hailed as a "wonderstrike."

It was also reasonably well filmed by this Newcastle United fan.

16. Junior Hoilett

Junior Hoilett is surely going to be picked up by a Premier League club in the summer after his contract expires with relegated Blackburn Rovers.

The Canadian shows some fancy footwork, impressive pace and an eye for goal with this strike against Norwich.

15. Ashley Young

Some excellent video graphic effects in this footage of Ashley Young's curler against Arsenal for Manchester United.

A worthy match-winner if you ever did see one.

14. Kyle Walker

Kyle Walker won the PFA Young Player of the Year award just before this game, and if there was ever a time to show the supporters they had picked the right man, this was it.

A sumptuous curling free kick from quite some distance.

13. Benoit Assou-Ekotto

Assou-Ekotto doesn't score many, but this one is something special.

A 30-yard screamer against Everton has now been added to his previously sparse-looking resume.

12. Yohan Cabaye

Set pieces are always easier to strike than a moving ball, but it doesn't detract from an excellent bit of skill.

Cabaye absolutely rifles this curling shot in off the underside of the crossbar.

11. Luka Modric

This goal marks the first of two in a row for Luka Modric. His strike against Liverpool nearly ripped the back of the net out and was virtually unplayable on the day.

Big-money summer move beckoning?

10. Luka Modric

Back when Tottenham Hotspur were flying high in the league, goals were pouring in from all angles and from all players.

Luka Modric stamped his name on one of the best long-range strikes you'll see this year.

9. Ryan Taylor

Unless you count Ryan Taylor's strike as long distance, of course. In which case Modric get's bumped down the list.

Not bad for a defender, Mr. Taylor. Not bad at all.

8. Robin Van Persie

It was inevitable that Robin van Persie would feature on this considering the amount of goals he has scored this season.

His poise, technique and balance all come together superbly for this volleyed strike against Everton.

7. Bryan Ruiz

Scott Heavey/Getty Images

Bryan Ruiz's goal return has been a little less than anticipated by Fulham manager Martin Jol, but this goal gave a glimpse of what to expect from the striker.

Click here to view the video.

6. Sebastian Coates

Sebastian Coates is expected to achieve big things at Liverpool football club and is seen as the long-term replacement for Jamie Carragher.

Apparently he isn't too bad in front of goal, either.

5. Hatem Ben Arfa

Hatem Ben Arfa struggled to get in the Newcastle team at the beginning of the season, and on this evidence that's hard to believe.

It's perhaps the most single-minded bit of play you will see, but it sure worked well.

4. Peter Crouch

Peter Crouch won't score buckets of goals every season, but he does seem to be developing a penchant for the spectacular.

This juggling volley against Manchester City was a sight to behold.

3. Sergio Aguero

Whilst not the most aesthetically pleasing goal you'll see all season, it's perhaps the most important in Manchester City history.

This goal will be spoken about for it's significance for the next 50 years.

2. Luis Suarez

This was a strong contender for the first place spot and I still haven't convinced myself I've made the right choice yet.

Considering Luis Suarez had already scored two goals before this unbelievable effort is testament to the player's ability.

Liverpool will be hoping he can reproduce this form more regularly next season.

1. Papiss Cisse

Simply put, have you ever seen anything like it? Not only is it a superb goal, it's also indescribably unique—much like the player himself.

Cisse reminds me a little of former Toon favourite Faustino Asprilla—capable of the incredible when you just can't see it coming.

 

On Twitter? Follow me @petercwebster where I post all my B/R content.