Reflecting on the December 2006 Goal of the Month Contest

The festive season brings a lot of Premier League matches, providing great entertainment.

December 2006 stands out as a remarkable month when the league saw some incredible goals.

As we enter December and approach Christmas, we recall the unmatched Goal of the Month competition from nearly two decades ago.

Highlights from December 2006’s Goal of the Month competition

Keith Gillespie vs Charlton

On December 2, Sheffield United faced Charlton Athletic in a crucial match for survival. As the game neared its end, it seemed to be heading for a draw, but Keith Gillespie scored a late winner for the Blades.

After Charlton cleared a long throw from Rob Kozluk, Gillespie volleyed the loose ball into the net in the 88th minute, securing a vital away victory.

The technique 👌
The strike 💥@KeithGillespie7, take a bow 👏#GoalOfTheDay @SUFC_tweets pic.twitter.com/MZK5c8us6F

— Premier League (@premierleague) April 27, 2017

This result left Charlton at the bottom of the table, while both teams were eventually relegated by the season’s end.

Matty Taylor vs Everton

Matty Taylor often scored spectacular goals, and his stunning strike against Everton was a standout moment.

After 14 minutes, he launched a memorable 45-yard volley that soared over Tim Howard to open the scoring for Portsmouth, leading to a 2-0 win at Fratton Park.

‘What a 𝕊𝕋𝕌ℕℕ𝕀ℕ𝔾 goal from Matty Taylor’ ☄️#GoalOfTheDay pic.twitter.com/gFsFuQ6RNv

— Premier League (@premierleague) March 8, 2021

Michael Essien vs Arsenal

On December 10, Michael Essien’s remarkable long-range goal earned Chelsea a crucial point against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.

Despite Arsenal taking an unexpected lead, Essien’s powerful shot, set up by Frank Lampard, struck to level the match.

16 YEARS AGO TODAY: The brilliant Michael Essien signed for Chelsea. 🔵

Obligatory post of one of the greatest ever Premier League goals…

📹 @ChelseaFC pic.twitter.com/pXa2BUKtfj

— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) August 19, 2021

David Bentley vs Reading

After leaving Arsenal, David Bentley joined Blackburn, quickly showcasing his talent. His goal against Reading highlighted his skills as he struck a superb shot, earning him acclaim.

The cleanest of clean strikes from David Bentley ⚡️#GoalOfTheDay pic.twitter.com/kCs7Na8TTA

— Premier League (@premierleague) February 13, 2019

Frank Lampard vs Everton

Everton were the target of multiple standout goals, including two from Chelsea in a thrilling 3-2 match at Goodison Park.

After Everton took a 2-1 lead, Frank Lampard equalized with a stunning strike from outside the box.

When Lampard laced it, there was only ever one ending 💥#GoalOfTheDay @ChelseaFC pic.twitter.com/D5a5FW7L1b

— Premier League (@premierleague) December 7, 2017

Just minutes later, Didier Drogba scored a brilliant winning goal, showcasing his skill with an impressive finish after controlling the ball.

Simply unstoppable 🚀

Remember this one, @ChelseaFC fans?

A @didierdrogba special, as requested by @rchmttrstr #PL25 pic.twitter.com/TcXYYyank7

— Premier League (@premierleague) August 15, 2017

Tom Huddlestone vs Manchester City

Tom Huddlestone wasn’t known for scoring often, but when he did, it was memorable. His incredible volley at Manchester City was a perfect example of his skill.

Happy birthday, Tom Huddlestone! 🚀 🎉 pic.twitter.com/dJDNaI8MPv

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) December 28, 2016

He struck a precise shot from the edge of the box, securing a 2-1 victory for Tottenham.

Paul Scholes vs Aston Villa

Paul Scholes’s incredible goal against Aston Villa was awarded the best of the month by the BBC. Few players have demonstrated the skill to execute a strike like this.

With a powerful volley as the ball descended from above, Scholes scored one of the greatest goals of his career.

A very special strike from Paul Scholes#GoalOfTheDay @ManUtd pic.twitter.com/Na1RYzpyNm

— Premier League (@premierleague) August 31, 2017

This goal was a combination of power and accuracy, hitting the crossbar before crossing the line, making it a memorable moment in his illustrious career at Manchester United.

Read Also – PL Icons: Remembering just how unplayable Didier Drogba was for Chelsea in 09/10