If Cheikhou Kouyate never scores another goal for West Ham United, he’ll always have this one to celebrate.
Kouyate, a midfielder-turned-defender, scored a dazzling goal in his team’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Sunday in the Premier League. The only down-side to Kouyate’s goal (as far as Hammers and neutrals are concerned) is that it didn’t stand as the game-winner. It was that good.
Kouyate broke the deadlock in the 49th minute when Wayne Rooney’s attempted clearance fell to him inside Manchester United’s penalty area. Kouyate controlled the ball with his first touch, juggled with his second, swiveled and smashed it through a wall of defenders past goalkeeper David de Gea with his third — on a full volley.
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Kouyate’s goal, his second of 2014-15, made the home fans at West Ham’s Boleyn Ground go wild. The strike is a sure-fire goal-of-the-season contender.
GIF via Reddit
Thumbnail photo via Alastair Grand/The Associated Press