Shay Given says the best goal ever scored against him was Dennis Bergkamp’s famous effort for Arsenal back in 2002.

Given was speaking in a Facebook Live event, and was asked to name the best effort he’d conceded. He responded: “I think Dennis Bergkamp’s goal probably stands out because it got voted recently the best goal in Premier League history.

“He was asked after did he mean it, did he not mean it, and he said that he did mean it, and because he’s such a class player and an intelligent player as well you’ve got to give him credit for a great goal. dennis bergkamp tshirt ad

“I think he actually did mean it.

“He’s that good a player.

“Someone of Dennis Bergkamp’s quality I genuinely think he did.”

In case any of you somehow don’t know which goal Given is referring to, here it is in all it’s glory:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n275iW54o68

It’s one of the great goals in Premier League history partly for the level of skill required to execute it, but also for its uniqueness, as there’s hardly ever been a goal like it.

Using his left foot, Bergkamp flicked the ball around the right side of the defender, spun round his left and somehow managed to get into position to hit it with his right across Given.

I agree with Given that it seems like he meant it, as Bergkamp always said he did.

If the touch was an accident, it would’ve taken him by surprise, but he was ready to turn and get onto the ball for the finish from the moment it hit his left foot. That’s how he managed to get ahead of the defender, who, like everyone else, didn’t see it coming.

Plus, as Shay says, when a player like Bergkamp does something like that you have to give it to him, because it was just one of many magical things we watched him do over the years.