Football’s Greatest Goals No.57
This week’s Greatest Goal is probably one of the greatest team goals scored in the 1980s. Not only was it a fine passing goal involving seven Southampton players, but the fact it was scored against Liverpool, the decade’s most successful side.
Southampton manager Lawrie McMenemy was building a successful team down at The Dell and had brought in some experienced players to the club. Kevin Keegan was tempted back to England from Hamburg after twice winning the Ballon D’Or and World Cup winner Alan Ball was also a first-team regular. Mick Channon, who finished off this wonderful goal was back at the club after spending three years at Manchester City. He was 33 years old and so in the final stages of his career.
McMenemy wasn’t afraid to play youngsters if he thought that they were good enough. 18-year-olds Danny Wallace and Mark Wright were given a few first-team opportunities over the course of the season. Wright was making his home debut in the match against Liverpool, which features in today’s article.
Southampton finished sixth in the First Division the previous season and in doing so qualified for the UEFA Cup. They beat Irish side Limerick United before losing to Sporting Lisbon in the second round.
36 minutes into the league game between the two clubs, Southampton scored a sensational goal. The move started deep inside Southampton’s half with Nick Holmes and David Armstrong exchanging three passes before Holmes hit the ball down the left wing to Kevin Keegan.
The former European Footballer of the Year headed the ball inside to Keith Cassells, who played a one-two with Alan Ball. Cassells then laid the ball off to Keegan who was still wide on the left wing.
Keegan began to move infield and played a short pass to Alan Ball before making a run towards the Liverpool penalty area. Alan Ball scooped the ball to Graham Baker, who returned the ball to Keegan.
Keegan played a one-two with David Armstrong, who was now stood at the edge of the Liverpool area. Armstrong’s pass was an incredible overhead pass that fell right into the path of Keegan who headed the ball over to Mick Channon.
The veteran striker controlled the ball with his right foot before thumping it past Liverpool goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar with his left. The whole move included fourteen passes and was finished with Mick Channon scoring with his weaker foot.
Liverpool came back to win the match 3-2 and would go on to win the first of three successive First Division titles. Southampton finished seventh in the table and qualified for the following season’s UEFA Cup.
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