A festive feast of footballing artistry that set an impossibly high bar for all future contenders.
In the annals of Premier League history, certain months stand out not just for dramatic title races or relegation battles, but for pure, unadulterated footballing brilliance. December 2006 is one such month, etched into the collective memory of fans as the setting for arguably **the greatest Goal of the Month competition ever witnessed**.
As the festive fixtures came thick and fast, players across the league seemed to be in an inspired mood, delivering a succession of stunning strikes that left pundits and supporters alike in awe. What made this particular month so special was not just the quality of the winning goal, but the sheer depth of world-class contenders that failed to even claim the top prize.
The Crown Jewel: Paul Scholes vs. Aston Villa
Even amidst a field of spectacular efforts, one goal managed to stand out, a testament to its extraordinary execution. The winner for December 2006 was none other than **Paul Scholes** for Manchester United against Aston Villa. It was a goal that encapsulated everything magical about the Ginger Prince: technique, power, and an innate understanding of space.
As the ball dropped just outside the box, Scholes met it with a ferocious, dipping volley that crashed off the underside of the crossbar and nestled into the top corner. It was a strike of such purity and precision that even today, nearly two decades later, it remains one of the most iconic Premier League goals.
A Shortlist of Unforgettable Screamers
What truly elevates December 2006 into legend is the quality of the goals that *didn't* win. In any other month, these would have been shoe-ins for the award, often by a significant margin. The following list reads like a compilation of season-ending contenders:
| Scorer | Club | Opponent | Goal Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Scholes | Manchester United | Aston Villa | A thunderous 25-yard volley that dipped under the bar from a dropping ball. |
| Matty Taylor | Portsmouth | Everton | An outrageous first-time volley from 45 yards that looped over Tim Howard. |
| Michael Essien | Chelsea | Arsenal | A swerving, outside-of-the-boot "thunderbastard" from 30 yards out. |
| Didier Drogba | Chelsea | Everton | A chest-and-swivel volley from distance that perfectly dipped under the bar. |
| Frank Lampard | Chelsea | Everton | A speculative, dipping drive from outside the box, leaving the keeper helpless. |
| Tom Huddlestone | Tottenham Hotspur | Manchester City | A crisp, laser-like volley from outside the area into the bottom corner. |
| David Bentley | Blackburn Rovers | Reading | A powerful long-range strike after an impressive solo run. |
| Keith Gillespie | Sheffield United | Charlton Athletic | An 88th-minute stunning volley to secure a crucial three points in a relegation battle. |
Why December 2006 Still Resonates
This competition was more than just a collection of great goals; it was a snapshot of a vibrant Premier League era. The variety of strikes—from long-range volleys and dipping drives to powerful solo efforts—showcased the diverse talent pool.
- **The Everton Gauntlet:** Poor Tim Howard and the Everton defense found themselves on the receiving end of three of these spectacular efforts (Taylor, Lampard, and Drogba).
- **Technique Over Fortune:** Very few of these goals could be attributed to luck. They were products of immense technical skill, perfect ball striking, and audacious attempts.
- **Unforgettable Moments:** Each goal holds its own story – from crucial winners to moments of pure individual brilliance that had no bearing on the final result but left an indelible mark.
Even now, almost two decades on, December 2006 remains the benchmark. Whenever a new Goal of the Month competition is announced, fans invariably harken back to that incredible festive period, wondering if any month will ever come close to matching the sheer, unadulterated quality served up that Christmas.