Erik Lamela 'rabona' goal steals the show for Spurs - video
Amazing 20-yard trick shot overshadows hat-trick from Harry Kane in Europa League romp
Spurs winger Erik Lamela stole the show with a stunning 'rabona' goal in a crazy Europa League clash that ended with Tottenham's goalkeeper getting a standing ovation after earlier scoring three goals.
Lamela's 20-yard strike after half an hour was the pick of the home side's five goals against against Greek side Asteras, but a hat-trick scored by young striker Harry Kane was probably more significant. Kane ended the match playing in goal after Hugo Lloris was sent off and he quickly proved why he plays outfield as he let a tame free kick squirm past him and into the net.
But despite Kane's efforts at both ends of the pitch, it was Lamela who dominated the headlines.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino showed no emotion when the goal went in, but later described it as "maybe the best" goal he had seen from one of his own players. Defender Jan Vertonghen agreed, describing it as "100 per cent the best goal I've ever seen live".
The 'rabona' involves kicking the ball with one leg wrapped behind the other. In Lamela's case it involved striking the ball with his left foot, while the ball was to the right of his standing leg.
"It is perhaps one of football’s most wanton and ostentatious acts of showboating, beloved of the gifted genius and the flash git alike. We always knew Lamela was the former, but perhaps there is a little of the latter in him as well," writes Jonathan Liew in the Daily Telegraph.
It is not an easy trick to master as many, including David Dunne of Birmingham City, have discovered to their cost.
But Lamela is not the only Premier League player to have used the trick to good effect in a match. Manchester United winger Angel di Maria has twice scored with a rabona, finding the net for Benfica and Real Madrid.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Today's political cartoons - December 22, 2024
Cartoons Sunday's cartoons - the long and short of it, trigger finger, and more
By The Week US Published
-
5 hilariously spirited cartoons about the spirit of Christmas
Cartoons Artists take on excuses, pardons, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Inside the house of Assad
The Explainer Bashar al-Assad and his father, Hafez, ruled Syria for more than half a century but how did one family achieve and maintain power?
By The Week UK Published
-
Can England's Euros team hold their nerve?
Today's Big Question Three Lions' 'lopsided' opening win over Serbia raises more questions than it answers
By The Week UK Published
-
Antonio Conte leaves Tottenham after ‘extraordinary’ rant at players
feature After another year without a trophy, Spurs are now searching for a new manager
By The Week Staff Published
-
‘Captain fantastic’: Harry Kane’s most memorable England goals
feature Kane has overtaken Wayne Rooney as the Three Lions’s all-time leading goalscorer
By Mike Starling Published
-
A World Cup of missed opportunities for England, Southgate and Kane
feature Three Lions boss Southgate will take time to consider his future after defeat to France
By Mike Starling Published
-
England ‘can’t win the World Cup’ without captain Harry Kane
Speed Read Despite an ankle scan, there is ‘confidence within the camp’ Kane will be fit for USA clash
By Mike Starling Published
-
Tottenham vs. Arsenal predictions: race for the Premier League top four
feature Expect a ‘seismic’ north London derby with Champions League qualification on the line
By Mike Starling Published
-
Harry Kane: England’s brilliant captain regains his form
feature Whatever his travails at club level, Kane is still England’s ‘leading light’
By The Week Staff Published
-
Where did it all go wrong for Nuno Espírito Santo at Tottenham?
feature Former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte faces an uphill struggle
By The Week Staff Published