Top 5 players who have scored the most late goals in Europe this season
“Cometh the hour, cometh the man!”
How often have we heard this phrase in match commentary? It became a cult classic when David Beckham scored a crucial 93rd-minute free-kick in a qualifier against Greece to ensure England’s progress to the 2002 World Cup. Since then, the phrase has been beaten to death but there have been instances where it was apt.
We take a look at five players who have scored the most goals in the final 10 minutes of games this season. Stats as of 3 April 2017.
#5 Diego Costa (Chelsea) – 5 late goals
Chelsea’s Premier League title bid was almost derailed even before the season started when Diego Costa informed Antonio Conte that he wanted to leave the club and move back to Spain. La Liga giants Atletico Madrid were interested in bringing back their striker and Costa’s head was turned.
However, Conte put his foot down and Costa returned to training with his tail between his legs when Atletico signed Kevin Gameiro instead. But the Brazilian-born Spanish striker then set about returning to form and he started doing what he did best – score goals. With no midweek European fixtures to tire him out, Costa played every weekend.
In fact, his first goal of the season was an 89th-minute winner against London rivals West Ham in a 2-1 win. A week later, he repeated the feat in a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Watford thanks to an 87th-minute winner.
Costa has been the difference-maker for Chelsea, ensuring they come away with three certain points on a number of occasions. With 17 goals so far, he is still in the race for the Golden Boot.