December of 2019 feels like a lifetime ago. Kudos to anyone who can remember more than ten things that happened seven months ago. One of the few moments that comes to mind is Son Heung-min’s incredible solo goal for Tottenham against Burnley.
When the moment happened, The18 was already calling it the goal of the season. BBC Match of the Day confirmed our thoughts and announced that Son earned the award for Goal of the Season.
Goal of the Season goes to Son Heung-Min!
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) July 26, 2020
In case a refresher of Son’s genius is needed, here's the South Korean’s goal in all of its glory.
Since the introduction of this award in the 1970-71 season, Son is the first Asian player to earn the honor. He is also the first player outside of Europe to score the goal of the season since the 2011-12 season, when Papiss Cissé scored an absolute worldie for Newcastle.
Son’s solo goal may not be as impressive as Cissé’s wonder strike, but Tottenham’s superstar did beat out every other goal scored in the 2019-20 Premier League season. Here is a look back at the two other finalists that didn’t quite make fans’ jaws drop as much as Son’s goal did.
Kevin de Bruyne vs. Newcastle
Another goal that happened before the world went to hell, this super strike happened the weekend after Thanksgiving. De Bruyne thought he had scored a game-winning rocket, but Newcastle replied with an equalizer several minutes later. The Belgian’s strike had heaping amounts of venom, but it still wasn’t enough to beat Son’s solo run.
Anthony Martial vs. Watford
The three finalists for goal of the season had a little bit of everything. An incredible solo run, a heat-seeking missile of a shot and then the cheekiest of goals from Martial.
One quick turn and chip stumped three Watford defenders and the goalkeeper. Red Devils fans are still a little sore for this goal not winning the award, but Son took the cake. Manchester United fans can still laugh that their club at least qualified for the Champions League while Tottenham will have plenty of fun in the Europa League next season.
