Newcastle have scored some stunners against Aston Villa over the years.
There was Joey Barton’s rocket in 2011, Papiss Cisse’s dream debut in 2012, or Yohan Cabaye’s stunning half volley at Villa Park in 2013.
But the Magpies’ best goal against tonight’s opposition will always be Alan Shearer’s wonderful strike from 2001.
The Toon legend was known for his power and thunderous strikes, but this was as delicate as they come.
A wonderful ball over the top by Rob Lee was side-footed by Shearer, who beautifully found the top corner. The goal was even more iconic for leaving Peter Schmeichel motionless.
Ahead of tonight’s game, Shearer responded to a tweet of the goal, posting an emoji so perfect you’d think it was designed for him. While he celebrated with two hands on that day, Shearer toasted the goal on Twitter with his legendary arm in the air.
This will always be remembered as one of Shearer’s greatest ever goals. While it doesn’t eclipse the Everton volley for me, it’s certainly up there.
But according to his former teammate Rob Lee, it was ‘all about the pass’.
It was a wonderful lofted ball by Lee, but all the credit has to go to Shearer. To find the top corner so delicately and precisely from that angle takes real class.
But would it have stood in today’s game? Having re-watched the goal, some fans have questioned whether VAR would have ruled it out for a tight offside.
That might be true, but fortunately there was no kind of technology in 2001 that could chalk off a world class goal.
While some ponder whether it was onside, others are marvelling in a truly outstanding strike.
Steve Bruce would kill for a goal like that against Aston Villa tonight. He’d kill for any kind of goal.
Newcastle could do with someone like Shearer tonight, as they prepare to play without their three best attackers yet again.
Any chance Shearer can play tonight against Aston Villa?
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