There were own goals galore in the Premier League this weekend.
It was a particularly poignant outing for Queens Park Rangers defender Richard Dunne, who put through his own net for the 10th time in his career, which is three more occasions than any other player in Premier League history.
Here, Sports Mole has picked 10 of the most memorable own goals that have been scored in England's top flight in recent years.
1. Frank Sinclair – (Leicester City) vs. Middlesbrough, 2002
In 1999, Sinclair found the back of his own net on consecutive weekends during matches against Arsenal and Chelsea. He was at it again three years later when his intended back pass for Ian Walker caught the Leicester goalkeeper unaware. The game was only three minutes old and it proved to be the winning goal.
2. Alan Smith – Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. (Leeds United), 2003
Wolves trailed to an early Michael Duberry goal when Leeds striker Smith came up trumps. Henri Camara's corner was a poor one, but Smith's attempted clearance looped up over Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson and entered the net via the post.
3. Vincent Kompany - Fulham vs. (Manchester City), 2013
City centre-back Kompany found the net at right end to help his side open up a two-goal lead at Craven Cottage, but he then unwittingly drew hosting Fulham level. Sascha Riether's cross was a relatively harmless one, but a panicked Kompany slashed his clearance over Joe Hart and into the far corner of the net.
4. Rio Ferdinand – Portsmouth vs. (Manchester United), 2007
Throughout their time together at Old Trafford, it seemed that Ferdinand had a good understanding with Edwin van der Sar. That wasn't the case on this occasion, though, as the United centre-back slipped the ball past the Dutch goalkeeper to put hosting Pompey 2-0 up at Fratton Park.
5. Lauren – Manchester City vs. (Arsenal), 2007
There didn't seem to be much danger when Lauren, facing his own goal, collected a long ball forward. However, under pressure from Trevor Sinclair, the full-back proceeded to head towards the Arsenal goal and having tripped slightly, he ended up finding the bottom corner of his own net.
6. Peter Enckelman – Birmingham City vs. (Aston Villa), 2002
It would be fair to suggest that this is the most famous own goal ever scored in the second city derby. When Olof Mellberg threw the ball back to the Aston Villa goalkeeper, the situation appeared innocuous. Yet, it rolled under his foot and squirmed into the bottom corner of the net.
7. Richard Dunne – (Manchester City) vs. West Bromwich Albion, 2004
The most memorable thing about this own goal is the desperation shown by West Brom striker Rob Earnshaw to try to steal it from Dunne. The Man City defender seemed confused as to his surroundings as a hopeful pass forward hit his shin, which deceived an advancing David James.
8. Tony Popovic – Portsmouth vs. (Crystal Palace), 2004
It was the type of finish from the Australian that the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi would have been proud of. Sadly for him and Palace, his flicked volley flew into the wrong net.
9. Gareth Bale – (Tottenham Hotspur) vs. Liverpool, 2012
As far as Aaron Lennon was concerned, he was doing his job on the far post when he hacked clear a goalbound header. Yet, what he didn't anticipate was that Bale would be standing right in front of him and the ball flew into the net off his face. The Welshman became the second Spurs player to score at both ends during the Premier League era.
10. Ian Walker – (Leicester City) vs. Bolton Wanderers, 2004
The Leicester goalkeeper did well initially to dive at the feet of Bolton striker Kevin Davies. After that, though, he rolled over to face his own goal, released the ball, which then crossed the line. Not the finest moment of the former England international's career.
Written by
Liam Apicella
Liam Apicella
