Henderson Stunner Against Chelsea Wins Goal of the Month

Jordan Henderson and his jaw-dropping match winner at Stamford Bridge scooped the award for BBC September’s Goal of the Month—and he won it going away. Arsenal new boy, Granit Xhaka’s strike against Hull City came in distant second to the Liverpool captain in a TV vote, netting a mere 21% of the votes compared to Henderson’s 42%.

It is surely a special moment for the 26-year old, who has been oft-criticized in times past for his lack of goal-scoring end product, as he opened his account for the campaign with a wonder goal of a first league strike since January.

Controlling a poor Gary Cahill clearance from just outside box (in what has come to be commonly referred to as “the Coutinho Zone.” And by “commonly”, I mean I just made that up), and with Nemanja Matic closing him down, the skipper spotted the towering Thibaut Courtois slightly off his line and instinctively struck a beautiful, looping shot over the keeper’s out-stretched hands and into the top corner of the net.

Hendo’s gong now makes it two from two for Liverpool this season in the award for the month’s best goal, with Sadio Mané taking the August prize for his exquisite individual effort against Arsenal on Opening Day.

Liverpool fans will hope that the Reds’ scintillating play gives Klopp’s men a chance to match a 28-year old record coincidentally also held by Liverpool. In the 1987/88 season, Kenny Dalgish’s rampant side won all 10 Goal of the Month awards, culminating in a comfortable league title.

August: Steve Nicol vs. Newcastle

September: John Barnes vs. QPR

October: Peter Beardsley vs. Everton

November: John Aldridge vs. Arsenal

December: Peter Beardsley vs. Arsenal

January: Ray Houghton vs. Everton

February: Steve McMahon vs. Manchester United

March: John Aldridge vs. Nottingham Forest

April: John Aldridge vs. Nottingham Forest

May: Peter Beardsley vs. Nottingham Forest

While fans obviously would do best not to get too far ahead of themselves, with the awe-inspiring attack Klopp has assembled, you can see this squad at least taking a decent shot at that record.