Alex Iwobi created Premier League on Thursday night as his last-gasp winner saw Everton claim a precious three points against Newcastle.
The relegation-threatened Toffees were in dire need of a result at Goodison Park, but suffered a late setback as midfielder Allan was sent off amid further VAR controversy. Down to 10-men, Frank Lampard 's side found themselves on the ropes in the dying stages as Newcastle went in search of a winner.
The fourth official then confirmed 14 minutes of additional time would be played following lengthy delays as a result of a protester tying themselves to one of Goodison Park's goalposts. It proved just enough time for Iwobi to hit a slick winner to send the Everton faithful into raptures and see the Nigerian etch his name into the Premier League's record books.
After Toffees' skipper Seamus Coleman out-muscled the Magpies' Allan Saint-Maximin on the half-way line, Iwobi picked up the ball and ran at Newcastle's back-line. The 25-year-old played a neat one-two with Dominic Calvert-Lewin before slotting past Martin Dubravka to claim the unlikely winner.
Timed at 98 minutes and 19 seconds, Iwobi's strike was the second-latest winning goal in the Premier League since the 2006-07 season. The only game-deciding goal scored at a late point was Bruno Fernandes ' winner in Manchester United's 3-2 triumph over Brighton back in September 2020.
In what was the final kick of the match, the Portuguese playmaker dispatched a last-gasp penalty that day, with the clocking showing an official time of 99 minutes and 45 seconds. While Fernandes and Iwobi possess the honours for the latest-winning goals since 2006-07, the Premier League has in fact seen later strikes.
HAVE YOUR SAY! What is the most dramatic late goal you've ever witnessed? Comment below .
Juan Mata capped his Chelsea debut with a goal against Norwich back in August of 2011, hitting the third in a 3-1 win with 100 minutes and 3 seconds on the clock - the second-latest Premier League strike since the 2006-07 season. However, top honours go to Dirk Kuyt.
The former Liverpool forward struck a penalty timed at 101 minutes at 48 seconds as the Reds salvaged a dramatic point against Arsenal back in April of 2011 - the latest goal in the competition's history. Remarkably, his historic effort came moments after Robin van Persie netted what looked set to be a 98th-minute winner from the spot.
Iwobi's stoppage-time strike saw Everton claim a crucial three points in their battle to beat the drop, though they remain in 17th place. Speaking after the match, Lampard heaped praise on match-winner Iwobi, declaring his late strike was an apt reward for the hard work has has displayed in training.
The Everton manager said: “He trains so well. You see how hard he works. I'm delighted he's the man that gets the goal to win it for us. He needs to believe in himself more because we know the quality he has."
Discussing the chaotic scenes that ensued following the winner, Lampard added: "I've broken my hand in the celebrations. My bones must be going soft, I don't remember the moment.
"It was an amazing night and we need those nights. Spirit and togetherness, the players stood up tonight. It was not a night for quality or calm. It means so much to the stadium we all felt that. I wanted to use the atmosphere.
"Everton fans wanted to see passion. We proved what we could be tonight."
