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Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Here is the first Premier League goalscorer at every current top-flight stadium – who will do it at Everton's ground?
Scroll down to see who those first scorers were GROUNDBREAKERS Here is the first Premier League goalscorer at every current top-flight stadium – who will do it at Everton's ground? Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EVERTON begin life in their new ground this season . . . but who will score the first Premier League goal there? The Toffees take on Brighton at the 52-888 capacity Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday, August 24. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Nigel Pearson scored the first Prem goal at Everton's old ground, Goodison Park Credit: Alamy 5 The Emirates Stadium's first Premier League goal came from an unlikely source Credit: Getty 5 This was the first Prem goal scored at Brentford's Gtech Stadium Credit: Rex 5 The first Prem strike at Bournemouth's Vitality stadium Credit: AFP 5 Turf Moor was welcomed into the Prem with this stunner Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd And one man will have the honour of making history as the first to find the net there. The first Prem goal at their old ground, Goodison Park, came from an unlikely source. Step forward Sheffield Wednesday defender Nigel Pearson on August 15, 1992. He is, of course, better known as the manager who kept Leicester up the season before their title victory. Barry Horne replied for Everton in a 1-1 draw. The current Toffees players - including Iliman Ndiaye, who scored last last goal at Goodison - will be desperate to bag the first at the new stadium. There will be plenty of familiar names in the answers below. Some of these stars scored for teams you will not associate them with. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK One player has netted the first Premier League goal at TWO stadiums. Below, we list each opening scorer at the current Prem grounds. 10,000 attend test event at Everton's new stadium
The Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Here is the first Premier League goalscorer at every current top-flight stadium – who will do it at Everton's ground?
EVERTON begin life in their new ground this season . . . but who will score the first Premier League goal there? The Toffees take on Brighton at the 52-888 capacity Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday, August 24. 5 5 5 5 5 And one man will have the honour of making history as the first to find the net there. The first Prem goal at their old ground, Goodison Park, came from an unlikely source. Step forward Sheffield Wednesday defender Nigel Pearson on August 15, 1992. He is, of course, better known as the manager who kept Leicester up the season before their title victory. Barry Horne replied for Everton in a 1-1 draw. The current Toffees players - including Iliman Ndiaye, who scored last last goal at Goodison - will be desperate to bag the first at the new stadium. There will be plenty of familiar names in the answers below. Some of these stars scored for teams you will not associate them with. One player has netted the first Premier League goal at TWO stadiums. Below, we list each opening scorer at the current Prem grounds. 10,000 attend test event at Everton's new stadium THE ANSWERS HERE are the first goalscorers at 19 current Premier League grounds Emirates Stadium - Olof Mellberg (Arsenal 1-1 ASTON VILLA, August 19, 2006) Villa Park - Dalian Atkinson (ASTON VILLA 1-1 Leeds, August 19, 1992) Vitality Stadium - Rudy Gestede (Bournemouth 0-1 ASTON VILLA, August 8, 2015) Gtech Stadium - Sergio Canos (BRENTFORD 2-0 Arsenal, August 13, 2021) Amex Stadium - Sergio Aguero (Brighton 0-2 MAN CITY, August 12, 2017) Turf Moor - Robbie Blake (BURNLEY 1-0 Man Utd, August 19, 2009) Stamford Bridge - Mick Harford (CHELSEA 1-1 Oldham, August 15, 1992) Selhurst Park - Mark Bright (CRYSTAL PALACE 3-3 Blackburn, August 15, 1992) Craven Cottage - Barry Hayles (FULHAM 2-0 Sunderland, August 22, 2001) Elland Road - Lee Chapman (LEEDS 2-1 Wimbledon, August 15, 1992) Anfield - Brian Deane (Liverpool 2-1 SHEFF UTD, August 19, 1992) Etihad - Yakubu (Man City 1-1 PORTSMOUTH, August 23, 2003) Old Trafford - Peter Beardsley (Man Utd 0-3 EVERTON, August 19, 1992) St James' Park - Teddy Sheringham (Newcastle 0-1 TOTTENHAM, August 14, 1993) City Ground - Teddy Sheringham (NOTTM FOREST 1-0 Liverpool, August 16, 1992) Stadium of Light - Kevin Phillips (SUNDERLAND 2-0 Watford, August 10, 1999) Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - Son Heung-min (TOTTENHAM 2-0 Crystal Palace, April 3, 2019) London Stadium - Michail Antonio (WEST HAM 1-0 Bournemouth, August 21, 2016) Molineux - Jason Euell (Wolves 0-4 CHARLTON, August 23, 2003)
BBC News
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
It was all 'classic Jamie Vardy'
Jamie Vardy's 'Last Dance' for Leicester City was planned the flags bearing his name provided for the home fans, the "Goodbye to the Goat" messaging which was emblazoned across the matchday programme, as well as the stadium big screen, to all the VIPs in attendance, which included the manager who signed him, Nigel Pearson, a number of his former team-mates, plus Vardy's family and received an abundance of additional information on email and WhatsApp prior to kick-off, I can't have been the only one thinking this will be proper awkward if he doesn't score!This shaped my questioning to Ruud van Nistelrooy pre-match when I asked if there was any danger of sentiment getting in the way of his players decision-making when attacking. His robust response clearly indicated this had been a discussion point during the week, but Van Nistelrooy was clear in explaining how it was Vardy himself who led the dialogue of their focus being on the team rather than any individual, and winning was the most important 200th club goal, which is set to be replayed for years to come, was classic Jamie soon as the counter was on, he held the high line to force the Ipswich defence into retreat, which created room for James Justin to drive into. Vardy then made the run to find just enough space so when the ball did arrive at his feet, he was able to deliver the type of 18-yard box finish which has become so synonymous throughout his goalscoring career. Topped off with a customary celebration in front of the away supporters, it was a full house when it comes to a Jamie Vardy goal bingo was a surprise to all media in attendance to discover Vardy's only post-match interview would be conducted by the club, as the squad carried out their lap of appreciation. However, in addition to his goals, given his time at Leicester was largely fuelled by homemade Skittles and vodka, and cutting on and off the field banter, which even his own team-mates and their 'Danish friends' couldn't escape, I respect how he was determined to go out on his own terms.
New York Times
19-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Vardy's last party: An emotional ending to one of the Premier League's greatest stories
If Jamie Vardy's time at Leicester City has been a fairytale, it got the perfect ending as he scored his 200th goal for the club in his 500th and last appearance. The rags-to-riches story of a player plucked from non-League who climbed to the summit of the game during 13 incredible years with Leicester is finally over, but Vardy ensured he went out as he started on his debut in a League Cup tie away against Torquay United in August 2012 — with a goal. On an afternoon of celebration and appreciation for his service to the club, everywhere you looked around King Power Stadium, there they were – replica Leicester shirts with 'Vardy' and '9' on the back, all ready for one last Vardy party. Some of those who had their tops adorned with the name and number of the player dubbed the greatest of all time (GOAT) by the club's fanbase weren't old enough to remember a Leicester squad that didn't have an available Vardy in it. There were also some wearing masks bearing the face of their star striker. Vardys aplenty then, but there is only one Jamie Vardy, and the crowd were keen to celebrate his legacy as English football's first £1million signing from non-League levels said his goodbyes on an emotional afternoon. That crowd included family, friends, and former team-mates and coaches, such as Nigel Pearson, the manager who made the bold decision and signed him on exactly the same date in 2012 that Vardy has now waved farewell to the club following what has been a deeply disappointing season that will end with relegation to the Championship. Usually after such a dreadful campaign, the supporters' vitriol and discontent could spill over at the final home game of the season, and there were several chants on Sunday to sack the board and for the removal of director of football Jon Rudkin, but once Vardy announced that this would be his swansong in a Leicester shirt, how could there be any emotion other than gratitude for a player who has achieved so much for them? Advertisement After helping win the Premier League, FA Cup, Community Shield and two Championship titles and setting numerous goalscoring records, Vardy fits the billing as Leicester's greatest of all time. No other player has been so synonymous with the most memorable and successful period in the club's history. No wonder then that they gave him such a tremendous send-off on a sunny afternoon at a stadium he has graced with such distinction. Before his final training session, the other players formed a guard of honour as he stepped onto the pitch, then hoisted him into the air and gave the 38-year-old the 'bumps'. On matchday itself, every seat in the place was adorned with a blue or white flag with 'Thank you Vards' printed on it. A selection of his greatest Leicester moments was played on the ground's giant screens, and every mention of his name was greeted with cheers. He walked out accompanied by three of his children while 13 giant flags, one for every season he's been at Leicester and all depicting trophy wins and other triumphs to treasure, were waved. The question was: would there be a last special Vardy moment in his finale? He began the match against Ipswich Town on 199 Leicester goals and had already decided to call time on his career at the club on 500 appearances, so with one game of the season, away to Bournemouth next Sunday, remaining. Even by 2024-25 Leicester's levels of disappointment, surely he would get his moment against another of the relegated sides? The Ipswich fans were revelling in their party-poopers role, chanting Wayne Rooney's name to taunt Vardy, whose wife had lost a High Court libel case against his fellow striker's spouse, Coleen Rooney. As he has done so often, he responded in the finest way possible, latching onto James Justin's 28th-minute through ball and sliding a finish past Alex Palmer in the Ipswich goal before racing in celebration towards his taunters. The king of s***housery doing what he does best until the very end. When Kasey MacAteer made it 2-0 midway through the second half to ensure a rare victory, only their sixth in 37 league matches this season, the party truly started. Vardy was then replaced with just over 10 minutes to go, being given another guard of honour by his team-mates and a standing ovation from the crowd as he left the pitch. Advertisement On so many occasions this season, disappointed and dejected Leicester supporters had headed for the stadium's exits early, but on Sunday, they stayed to show their respect for Vardy and all he had achieved while bearing their club's fox badge on his chest. They waited patiently to see their talisman walk back onto that pitch one more time, for a special pre-game presentation, which included many of his former team-mates forming another guard of honour along with the current players, with some boos and chants of 'You're not fit to wear the shirt' aimed at the latter audible. The pain of going straight back down in such dismal fashion following last season's promotion is still fresh and had it not been for the fact that this was Vardy's final home game, that simmering anger could have boiled over. This may be a tough time for Leicester fans, but yesterday was about honouring the last member of the side who created history by winning the 2015-16 Premier League title still playing for the club. Vardy, who was also named as the club's player of the season, said in the build-up to this match that he doesn't show emotion, and sure enough, when he was asked how he felt, he simply replied: 'I'm alright, to be honest.' But as the tributes continued and a video montage of his highlights — introduced by his children — played and he stood watching in the centre of the pitch, he would have needed a heart of stone not to feel sentimental over the ending of an era. The man with the golden touch in front of goal was then presented with a commemorative golden fox to go along with his golden boot from finishing as the 2019-20 Premier League's top goalscorer – a remarkable feat among so many for a Leicester player to achieve. During his final weeks at the club, camera crews working on a Netflix documentary about Vardy have been following him around, and they were, of course, at his last game too. They will have captured the most fitting finale of what has been one of the Premier League's greatest stories.
The Guardian
18-05-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Jamie Vardy signs off in style with 200th goal for Leicester on final appearance
The moment arrived in the 28th minute, though it had been brewing all match – all day, all week, and all month, to be fair. James Justin won the ball in his own half, accelerated through the soft centre of Ipswich's midfield and waited for Leicester's No 9 to make his run. Jamie Vardy, on his 500th appearance for the club, timed it to perfection, from centre to right, into the penalty area, took one touch to steady himself and then, with a quick second touch that took the ball through Dara O'Shea's legs and into the far corner before Alex Palmer could react, scored his 200th goal for the club. Typical Vardy, lifting his finger to his lips, the most vaunted former non-league striker in Premier League history peeled off to the nearest corner flag, lifted it out the ground and celebrated in front of the Ipswich fans who had just been mocking him and his wife. The scoreboard had his image and the number 200 all ready and waiting to flash up. If only Leicester had been able to choreograph their season the way they have this landmark. There were flags ('Thank you Vards') for every supporter waiting in their seats. There was a super-sized commemorative programme ('Goodbye to the GOAT'). Nigel Pearson, who signed him 13 years ago to the day, was among his former managers in attendance, as were many of his teammates from the 2016 title-winning team, including Wes Morgan, Marc Albrighton, Kasper Schmeichel and Danny Simpson. Vardy warmed up with his three children, who were among the mascots. Then there were the trademark runs and chances that indicated this would be his day, and a good one to hide Leicester's other, deeper concerns. It was an emotional occasion even if the match, other than Vardy's landmark goal, felt almost irrelevant with both clubs, starting on 22 points, long since relegated. As well as where the striker's future lies, beyond a beach with his family next week after he asked to make this game his last so he could wave farewell to the club's supporters at home, there are so many questions to be answered. After a 'shitshow' of a season (to quote Vardy) when Leicester suffered nine successive home defeats without scoring, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, who has gained eight points from six games since relegation was accepted, has no idea if he will still be manager next season, so cannot start planning. Even though Leif Davis shot against the inside of a post in the sixth minute, Ipswich reminding us there was another team involved in this occasion, Vardy set about making this a day of celebration. Making one of his trademark diagonal runs, he was sent in by Jordan Ayew and zoomed past O'Shea to face goal. But recovering defenders forced him wide and he shot into the side-netting via an unrewarded deflection. Two minutes later, he received a free-kick from Bilal El Khannouss, back to goal, and managed to swivel before shooting into the side-netting. 'Stand up if you love Vardy' rang around the King Power Stadium. The vast majority of those present did. Those with professional duties felt like doing so. But before his breakthrough goal came the chants of 'Sack the board' and 'We want Rudkin out' – Jon Rudkin, the director of football – from the Leicester fans not willing to accept Vardy's fairytale was the only story in town. Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football after newsletter promotion Claiming his first Premier League goal, Kasey McAteer had already shot against a post as Leicester sought to make the points safe when he did so, in the 69th minute, rifling a shot into the far top corner from a tight angle after El Khannouss's clever run invited a neat layoff from Wilfred Ndidi. The Leicester players formed a guard of honour on the touchline as, with 10 minutes to go, Vardy's number went up and the player who is being called the greatest in Leicester's history was replaced by Patson Daka. He took his seat in the dugout and stretched his arms up and behind him, closing his eyes, drinking in the moment. Chants of 'Jamie Vardy's having a party' alternated with appeals to 'Sack the board' throughout an afternoon that culminated in Rob Dorsett, the Sky Sports reporter, preparing to interview the man himself alongside Top Srivaddhanaprabha, the Leicester chair. Talk about attempting to bury bad news. But it would be churlish to deny Vardy his right to a proper send-off. No player has done more to make this the greatest decade, replete with Premier League title and FA Cup, in the club's history.
