The 10 Goals Of The Season In the 1980s (85-89)

Part Two of our Match of the Day Goals of the Season for the 1980s takes us to the years 1985-89. Made up of each individual month’s winner the final winner was always a goal of immense quality. Included in this article are two of the best goals seen in an FA Cup Final. Alongside a Merseyside screamer and a Captain Marvel special. A superb collection of volleys, headers and screamers from some of the best players of the decade.

Part Two: Goals of the Season 1985-1989.

 

1985: Graeme Sharp (Liverpool v EVERTON)

“What a fantastic goal. An unbelievable finish from Graeme Sharp”

Liverpool was once again the victim of a goal of the season winner, but this time it meant much more. Everton’s first league victory at Anfield since 1970 was made possible by Graeme Sharp’s wondergoal. As a result, the goal also gave the team hope that they might contend for the League title.

From an Everton perspective, Sharp’s goal was exhilarating in every way. He was able to sneak up on Mark Lawrenson thanks to Gary Stevens’ ball and use his right boot to wreak havoc. Sharp leapt into the air in celebration after the ball dipped and soared past Bruce Grobbelaar. Quickly joined accompanied by teammates and spectators who were all in awe of the glory and importance of the goal.

A number of wonderful moments followed that season. Outstanding Neville Southall performances, that encounter against Bayern Munich at Goodison Park, a memorable night in Rotterdam, and Everton’s first league championship since 1970 made up their fantastic 1984–85 season. Among these significant events, Sharp’s goal stands out as a turning point in their illustrious season.

1986: Bryan Robson (Israel v ENGLAND)

“Robson… yes”

Anyone who had the bad fortune to score a wondergoal at the start of the 1985–86 season must have been devastated. The goal of the season contenders was restricted to efforts registered from January 1986 onwards due to a broadcast blackout. The blackout was caused by a disagreement over rights between the club chairmen and the TV corporations. The 1986 winner came from Bryan Robson. Captain Marvel of England and Manchester United in England’s friendly match against Israel in Tel Aviv. Robson’s superb volley after a typical midfield move tied the score and marked his 50th appearance for his nation. Robson’s late goal gave England the victory, underscoring his significance to the team.

Robson was crucial to United. At the time they had a game in hand and were only three points down from the leaders. However, shortly after he suffered a dislocated shoulder at West Ham. Both England’s World Cup preparations and United’s quest for the championship suffered. It was evident how crucial Robson was to club and country when the loss of only one man led to such anxiety.

1987: Keith Houchen (COVENTRY v Tottenham)

“The man with the Midas touch in the FA Cup, strikes gold for Coventry”

The FA Cup was Keith Houchen’s favourite trophy. Houchen’s passion for the game was evident to all, from his penalty for York against Arsenal to his heroics during Coventry’s 1987 run to the final. And on May 16, 1987, he decided to declare his undying love for the renowned trophy at the event with the most significance.

As City supporters (and Jimmy Hill on national television) joyfully celebrated, Houchen’s full-length diving header from Dave Bennett’s exquisite cross brought Coventry level for the second time in the game, with Tottenham appearing unable to shake off their supposedly lesser opponents.

Coventry went on to win their first major trophy in their 104-year history thanks to one of the greatest FA Cup finals goals in history.

1988: John Aldridge (LIVERPOOL v Nottingham Forest)

“Liverpool come out of defence, and snatch a vital goal”

What a team Liverpool was in the 1987-88 season. It seemed inevitable that they would record their second double in two years when they suffered their first league defeat in their 30th match. John Aldridge scored a vital goal in the Semi-Final that earned him the Match of the Day Goal of the Season award. However, the biggest shock in FA Cup Final history followed with a 1-0 defeat to Wimbledon. Since all the contenders for the 1988 Goal of the Season award were scored by Liverpool players, there were a few goals to choose from.

That was how dominant Liverpool was that season and how revered they were. (at least by the BBC).

1989: John Aldridge (LIVERPOOL v Everton)

“The man who missed a penalty here last season in the Cup final didn’t take long to make up for it”

Liverpool’s 1988 FA Cup final defeat to Wimbledon was a personal nightmare for John Aldridge. As Dave Beasant’s heroics secured the Crazy Gang’s victory over the Culture Club, he missed the first penalty in a Wembley FA Cup final. But Liverpool being Liverpool, they made it back to Wembley a year later. This time to face Everton in an emotional Merseyside final after the tragic events at Hillsborough. The match gave Aldridge the chance to right his wrong of 1988.

Aldridge promptly made up for his infamous miss on his first touch at Wembley, slotting home a move involving Steve Nicol and Steve McMahon to put Liverpool ahead in four minutes. The goal was just a few yards away from the spot that left him so frustrated the year prior, providing some consolation. Although substituted again in a Final, Aldridge was able to take pleasure in Liverpool’s 3-2 victory. As well as the 1989 Goal of the Season accolade.

 

In conclusion, the goal of the season candidates from 1985-89 came from a strong Merseyside background. (apart from Bryan Robson) From a stunning long-range volley by Graeme Sharp to the clinical finishing of John Aldridge, each goal was of the highest quality.

Which one is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below

Also, check out Part One here where we list the Goals of the Season from the years 1980 to 1984