THE GREATEST Premier League photo of the last 20 years has been picked from a list of 30 snaps of the most iconic moments, players and managers in the competition’s history.
Premier League favourites Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson all feature prominently in the list to find Barclays’ Shot of the Century.
Manchester United fans laugh at Arsene Wenger after he is sent to the standsCredit: Laurence Griffiths / FPA / LDY AgencyFulham trio Tom Cairney, Ryan Sessegnon and Timothy Fosu-Mensah say hello to the cameraCredit: Michael Zemanek/ FPA / LDY AgencyThe Swansea mascot shows his displeasure at not being included in the team huddle before an away match at ArsenalCredit: Tom Jenkins / FPA / LDY AgencyJimmy Bullard’s infamous recreation of Phil Brown’s on-pitch half-time team talkCredit: Andrew Yates / FPA / LDY AgencyCrystal Palace’s Conor Gallagher and Phil Foden fight for a ball this seasonCredit: Naomi Baker / FPA / LDY AgencySteven Gerrard is mobbed by adoring Liverpool fans in 2012Credit: Craig Brough / FPA / LDY Agency
The 30 snaps manage to encapsulate exactly what the Premier League is about – glory, blood and thunder, and some of the best fans in the world.
All the photos were taken in the last 20 years so omit Prem legends like Eric Cantona, Tony Adams and Ian Wright.
But there has been no shortage of iconic moments since the turn of the century – from Wenger being sent to the stands at Old Trafford to Jimmy Bullard’s mocking half-time team talk celebration away at Manchester City.
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Oleksandr Zinchenko accidentally knocks the Premier League trophy off its perchCredit: Carl Recine / FPA / LDY AgencyPepe Reina is deceived by a Liverpool-themed beach ball which directs Darren Bent’s shot goalwardsCredit: Mike Hewitt / FPA / LDY AgencyFormer Arsenal star Per Mertesacker loses his head in a game against SunderlandCredit: Mike Hewitt / FPA / LDY AgencyPaolo Di Canio shows his passion as he celebrates at St James’ Park as Sunderland bossCredit: Richard Lee / FPA / LDY AgencyTypical Jose Mourinho keeps the ball off Gerrard as Liverpool fight to save their title bid in 2014Credit: Simon Stacpoole / FPA / LDY AgencyUnited’s goalkeeper Fabien Barthez reacts after gifting a goal to Arsenal at Highbury.Credit: Mark Leech / FPA / LDY Agency
Some of the best ever celebrations also make the list – including Mario Balotelli’s infamous ‘Why Always Me’ moment.
Former Swansea star Bafetimbi Gomes’ unique panther walk also makes the cut, as does Pep Guardiola being thrown up and down in the air after winning the league in 2019.
Fabien Barthez’s anguish at conceding a goal to Arsenal is the oldest photo amongst the collection.
Wenger struggles to find a seat at Old TraffordCredit: Carl Recine / FPA / LDY AgencyAn Everton and Liverpool mascot come together to remember the fans who lost their lives at HillsboroughCredit: Lee Smith / FPA / LDY AgencyManchester City players and staff throw manager Pep Guardiola into the air after winning the title in 2019Credit: Mike Hewitt / FPA / LDY AgencyBafetimbi Gomes celebrates with his panther walkCredit: Stu Forster / FPA / LDY AgencyUnited and City fans unite in remembrance of the Munich disasterCredit: Martin Rickett / FPA / LDY AgencyLaurent Koscielny is mobbed by team-mates after scoring for Arsenal at CityCredit: Martin Rickett / FPA / LDY Agency
Fan unity has also been captured amongst the photos – such as Manchester United and City fans holding their scarves aloft together in memory of the Munich disaster.
A photo of the two mascots of Everton and Liverpool representing the 97 fans who died as a result of the Hillsborough tragedy, has also been included.
One the pitch both Liverpool, the two Manchester clubs, and Arsenal feature most heavily.
United and Arsenal’s rivalry is brilliantly highlighted by Martin Keown’s famous goading of Ruud van Nistelrooy after the Dutchman missed a penalty in a huge title-deciding game.
Mario Balotelli unveils his infamous ‘Why always me’ message to the media after scoring at Old TraffordCredit: Lee Smith / FPA / LDY AgencyWayne Rooney left with a bloodied eye in his second spell at EvertonCredit: Emma Simpson / FPA / LDY AgencyGerrard celebrates in front of the travelling Liverpool fans at Craven CottageCredit: Kevin Quigley / FPA / LDY AgencyJamaal Lascelles goes flying following an aerial challenge with Cardiff’s Kenneth ZohoreCredit: Dan Mullan / FPA / LDY AgencyMartin Keown goads Ruud van Nistelrooy after his infamous penalty missCredit: Mark Robinson / FPA / LDY AgencyMo Salah celebrates in iconic fashion after scoring against UnitedCredit: Michael Regan / FPA / LDY Agency
Title-winning celebrations also feature regularly throughout, including Liverpool’s only Prem win in 2020.
Ronaldo, Ferguson, and Guardiola were snapped at their most ecstatic and have been selected in the top five.
The number one spot goes to none other than Leicester great Claudio Ranieri, with the Italian captured kissing the Premier League trophy after he defied the odds to crown the Foxes champions of England.
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates winning the league with his United team-matesCredit: Ed Sykes / FPA / LDY AgencyTwo West Ham fans watch the final game at Upton Park from their flat windowCredit: Michael Regan / FPA / LDY AgencyLiverpool were forced to celebrate their first title for 30 years outside Anfield as Covid prevented stadium accessCredit: Jon Super / FPA / LDY AgencySir Alex Ferguson after winning his 13th and final Prem titleCredit: Andrew Yates / FPA / LDY AgencyRooney’s magnificent overhead kick in the Manchester derbyCredit: Andrew Yates / FPA / LDY AgencyClaudio Ranieri gets his hands on the Premier League trophy after defying the odds to win the league with LeicesterCredit: Carl Recine / FPA / LDY Agency