The volley is always a spectacular sight, and with some of the best players in the world having plied their trade in the Premier League there have been some spectacular efforts through the years. With a nod to Gary Hooper's fine effort last weekend, Sports Mole picks out five of their favourites from the Premier League.
1. Pajtim Kasami - Crystal Palace vs. Fulham, 2013
When this goal went in, it was immediately billed as a contender for goal of the season. More than that, it is one of the best volleys you will see. Not only was the strike perfect to get up and down past Julian Speroni, but the chest control to create the inch of room needed for the shot was absolutely spot on.
At the time, Fulham were 1-0 down and not playing well. This goal inspired them to a 4-1 win at Selhurst Park that could well prove crucial come the end of the season.
2. Wayne Rooney - Manchester United vs. Newcastle United, 2005
This volley was as sweetly struck as you are likely to see. What made it remarkable, however, was that Wayne Rooney was remonstrating with the referee all the way until the moment that he realised he could strike the ball. It was a shot of sheer frustration as the ball was headed to about 25 yards out, where Rooney ran on to it to rifle into the top corner.
3. Thierry Henry - Arsenal vs. Manchester United, 2000
This is another volley that is all about technique rather than brute force. Thierry Henry collected the ball with his back to the Highbury clock end before flicking it up, turning and volleying in one fluid movement. Henry scored a number of memorable goals in his time at Arsenal, but this will always be remembered as one of his best.
4. Paolo Di Canio - West Ham vs. Wimbledon, 2000
Paolo Di Canio has always been a controversial figure off the pitch, as we saw during his brief spell as manager of Sunderland. However, on it, he was a master - with of course some controversy too. This goal against Wimbledon in 2000 remains one of the best ever scored in the Premier League for the sheer arrogance to attempt it and the technique to make it work.
5. Paul Scholes - Manchester United vs. Aston Villa, 2006
Picking between Paul Scholes's best volleys is not an easy task, but we have had to plump for this one in 2006 against Aston Villa. There have been many great players in the league, but few would have had the technique and composure to wait for the ball to come down from such a great height and slash a volley into the top corner. Paul Scholes at his best.
Matt Domm
