We’ve covered the 5 best Goals Scored By Goalkeepers, so it was only right we cover the 5 best times an outfield player stepped up in goal. Whether due to a red card or an injury with no substitutions left, these emergency stints often produce unforgettable drama. From penalty saves to last-ditch blocks, here are five of the best moments featuring outfield players in goal.
Phil Jagielka – Sheffield United vs Arsenal (2006)
Sheffield United fans already knew Phil Jagielka as a reliable defender, but his emergency goalkeeping heroics against Arsenal cemented his cult status at Bramall Lane. Late in a gritty Premier League match, United’s goalkeeper Paddy Kenny was forced off with an injury, and with all substitutes used, Jagielka pulled on the gloves.
Despite Arsenal’s relentless pressure, Jagielka kept his nerve, making crucial saves, including a powerful late effort from Robin van Persie. His composure and reflexes ensured Sheffield United held on for a famous 1-0 win.
Kyle Walker – Manchester City vs Atalanta (2019)
When both of City’s goalkeepers—Ederson and Claudio Bravo—ended up out of action during a Champions League group-stage match, fans were half-expecting chaos. Enter Kyle Walker. The full-back threw on the gloves for the last ten minutes against Atalanta and somehow managed to pull off the job.
His best moment came when he got down low to save a free-kick, keeping City in the game. It wasn’t the most graceful goalkeeping you’ll ever see, but Walker did enough to earn a 1-1 draw
Harry Kane – Tottenham Hotspur vs Asteras Tripolis (2014)
Harry Kane is known for scoring goals, but this Europa League game gave us something completely different: Kane in goal. With Hugo Lloris sent off late in the game, Spurs were forced to stick their star striker between the sticks.
What followed wasn’t exactly legendary goalkeeping. Kane’s attempt to stop a free-kick ended with the ball awkwardly squirming past him and into the net
John Terry – Chelsea vs Reading (2006)
Chelsea’s clash with Reading in 2006 was chaos from start to finish, with both Petr Čech and Carlo Cudicini suffering injuries. So, naturally, John Terry decided to step up in the closing moments.
Terry didn’t have much to do in his short stint in goal, but his determination was classic JT.
Rio Ferdinand – Manchester United vs Portsmouth (2008)
When Tomasz Kuszczak was sent off in an FA Cup quarter-final, Manchester United were in trouble. Up stepped Rio Ferdinand to take the gloves.
Ferdinand’s first task? Facing a penalty from Sulley Muntari. Unfortunately, there was no fairy-tale save, but Rio gave it everything and even made a smart stop later on to keep the scoreline respectable. United lost the game, but Ferdinand’s stint in goal showed he was always willing to do whatever the team needed.