When Players Score Against Former Clubs
Scoring against a former club in the Premier League is a moment charged with emotion and narrative. Whether players choose to celebrate or show restraint, these goals often become defining moments in their careers.
Seeing Richarlison score for Spurs against Everton at Goodison Park last weekend was an interesting moment, even if it did not amount to much by the end of the game. Because of that goal, today we take a look at memorable instances of EPL players who have found the net against their previous teams in some high-profile Premier League betrayals.
Frank Lampard for Chelsea vs West Ham United (23 November 2013)
Frank Lampard, Chelsea’s all-time leading scorer, began his Premier League journey with West Ham United. On 23 November 2013, Lampard returned to Boleyn Ground in east London and scored twice in Chelsea’s 3-0 victory over the Hammers. His goals in the 21st and 82nd minutes underscored his enduring quality and professionalism.
Nicolas Anelka for Chelsea vs Arsenal (10 May 2009)
Nicolas Anelka’s Long Range Strike vs Arsenal | Goal Of The Day #shorts – YouTube
Nicolas Anelka, a journeyman striker, had stints with both Arsenal and Chelsea. On 10 May 2009, the Frenchman scored a stunning long-range goal in Chelsea’s 4-1 win at the Emirates Stadium, helping to secure a comprehensive victory against his former club.
Emmanuel Adebayor for Manchester City vs Arsenal (12 September 2009)
Emmanuel Adebayor’s move from Arsenal to Manchester City in 2009 was a significant transfer. On 12 September 2009, Adebayor scored against Arsenal in a 4-2 victory. His elaborate celebration, running the length of the pitch to slide in front of the Arsenal supporters, remains one of the most talked-about moments in Premier League history. Even blame for fan trouble was put at the Togolese striker’s door.
To this day, he maintains in interviews that he did it in the spur of the moment, having not premeditated the celebration, and that some of his City teammates filled him in on exactly what happened.
Robin van Persie for Manchester United vs Arsenal (3 November 2012)
After transferring from Arsenal to Manchester United in 2012, Robin van Persie faced his former club on 3 November 2012. He opened the scoring in the third minute, leading to a 2-1 victory for United. Notably, van Persie chose not to celebrate his goal, showing respect to his former teammates and fans.
Wayne Rooney for Manchester United vs Everton (29 October 2005)
Wayne Rooney, who began his career at Everton, moved to Manchester United in 2004. On 29 October 2005, Rooney scored against his boyhood club in a 2-0 victory at Goodison Park. His muted celebration reflected the deep connection he maintained with Everton.
Peter Beardsley for Everton vs Liverpool (7 December 1992)
Peter Beardsley made the rare move across Stanley Park, from Liverpool to Everton in 1991. On 7 December 1992, he scored for Everton in a 2-1 victory over Liverpool, becoming one of the few players to have scored for both sides in the Merseyside derby.
Josh King for Watford vs Everton (23 October 2021)
Josh King, who had a brief stint at Everton, joined Watford in 2021. On 23 October 2021, King scored a hat-trick against his former club in a 5-2 victory at Goodison Park. This performance marked him as one of the few players to net a Premier League hat-trick against a former team.
Chris Wood for Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle United (26 December 2023)
Chris Wood, after leaving Newcastle United, joined Nottingham Forest. On Boxing Day 2023, Wood scored a hat-trick against his former club, leading Forest to a 3-1 victory at St James’ Park. His performance highlighted his striking prowess and added him to the list of players who have scored hat-tricks against former teams.
Marcus Bent for Wigan Athletic vs Blackburn Rovers (15 December 2007)
Marcus Bent, who had a stint at Blackburn Rovers, played for Wigan Athletic in the 2007-08 season. On 15 December 2007, Bent scored a hat-trick against Blackburn in a 5-3 victory, showcasing his goal-scoring abilities against his former side.
David Johnson – Liverpool and Everton
David Johnson is one of the rare players who scored for both Liverpool and Everton in Merseyside derbies. He scored on his derby debut for Everton in November 1971 and later netted two derby goals during his spell with Liverpool, the last on 1 March 1980.
Conclusion
Scoring against a former club is a unique event that blends personal history with professional achievement. The players highlighted above have not only demonstrated their skill on the pitch but have also navigated the complex emotions tied to facing former teammates and supporters. These moments remain etched in Premier League history, exemplifying the passion and unpredictability that make football so captivating.