It may be a new year, but as far as the football world is concerned it’s the same story. Barcelona continued their winning ways with the return of La Liga, Luis Suarez scored another cracking free kick, and Manchester United continue to struggle at home. The FA Cup took center stage in England, with several heavyweights going through, and a few surprises booking their place in the fourth round. The holidays might be over, but the beautiful game continues to be the gift that keeps on giving. From Wilfried Bony’s last-minute header at Old Trafford to Alexis’ hat trick at the Camp Nou, check out this year’s first edition of GIF Gallery: The Best Golazos and Skill Moves of the Week.
Written by Adam Silvers (@silversurfer103)
15. Hugo Lloris Keeps Spurs Ahead
Date: 1/1/2014
Match: Manchester United v. Tottenham
Competition: English Premier League match
Ground: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
Clinging to a one-goal lead at Old Trafford in the 95th minute, Hugo Lloris shows he is more than willing to sacrifice his body for the cause. This diving headed clearance near the edge of the area helped see off the final wave of United's attack. What a play, what a win for the Lilywhites.
14. Ramires Does Everything but Score
Date: 1/1/2014
Match: Southampton v. Chelsea
Competition: English Premier League match
Ground: St Mary's, Southampton, England
Just count the number of Southampton players Ramires leaves in his wake, as he goes on this majestic run through the Saints defense. If only the Brazilian was able to beat Kelvin Davis in goal.
13. Tomas Rosicky's Run and Chip
Date: 1/4/2014
Match: Arsenal v. Tottenham
Competition: FA Cup, third round
Ground: The Emirates, London
Danny Rose may have cheaply given the ball away to Rosicky at the halfway line, but the Czech international still had plenty to do in order to find the back of the net. Superb run, and a delicate dink over Lloris to help put the game on ice.
12. Roberto Soldado's Sublime Vision
Date: 1/1/2014
Match: Manchester United v. Tottenham
Competition: English Premier League match
Ground: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
Aaron Lennon was unable to beat de Gea from the tight angle, but how about the pass from Soldado to present him with the opportunity? The Spaniard shows precision vision and execution with this cutting ball, it's just a shame it didn't end in a goal.
11. Bony's Header Sinks United
Date: 1/5/2014
Match: Manchester United v. Swansea
Competition: FA Cup, third round
Ground: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
How about this thunderbolt of a header to knock United out of the FA Cup? Did we mention Bony did this in the 90th minute, and that it was Swansea's first ever win at Old Trafford? Yikes, Moyes.
10. Yaya Toure Rifles One in
Date: 1/1/2014
Match: Swansea v. Manchester City
Competition: English Premier League match
Ground: The Liberty, Swansea, Wales
Don't blink, you may just miss this sizzler from the boot of Yaya Toure. Swansea keeper, Tremmel, had no chance.
9. Aleksandar Kolarov Can Do It With the Right, Too
Date: 1/1/2014
Match: Swansea v. Manchester City
Competition: English Premier League match
Ground: The Liberty, Swansea, Wales
Kolarov shows here that he's equally as capable of making magic with his right foot, as he is with his touted left. City would need all three of their goals on the day, as Wilfried Bony's injury time goal cut the deficit to one.
8. Boualem Khoukhi's Sizzling Free Kick
Date: 1/4/2014
Match: Qatar v. Kuwait
Competition: 2014 WAFF Championship, semi-finals
Ground: Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha, Qatar
Boulem goes boom. What a thunderbolt this is from the Qatar man, as the keeper gets a hand to it but has no chance at stopping the shot. Qatar will face off against Jordan for the championship, on Tuesday.
7. Routledge Gives the Swans the Early Lead
Date: 1/5/2014
Match: Manchester United v. Swansea
Competition: FA Cup, third round
Ground: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
This was a fantastic lob finish from Wayne Routledge, who was picked out ever so well by Wilfired Bony. Incisive pass, worthy of such a cool finish.
6. Santi Cazorla Finishes Gnabry's Fine Run
Date: 1/4/2014
Match: Arsenal v. Tottenham
Competition: FA Cup, third round
Ground: The Emirates, London
Take nothing away from the first-time smash by Cazorla, but first praise goes to Serge Gnabry for his run at the defense, and brilliant pick out of the Spaniard. Beautiful play from the Gunners.
5. Seamus Coleman Can't Stop Scoring
Date: 1/4/2014
Match: Everton v. QPR
Competition: FA Cup, third round
Ground: Goodison Park, Liverpool, England
Seriously, Seamus Coleman is going to wake up one day and realize he's not Franck Ribery, but until that day we're just going to enjoy the show. This was another terrific effort from the Irishman, and it capped off Everton's four-goal rout of the Championship side.
4. Wilfried Bony With the Rocket
Date: 1/1/2014
Match: Swansea v. Manchester City
Competition: English Premier League match
Ground: The Liberty, Swansea, Wales
What a cracker from Bony. Joe Hart has absolutely no chance, as this one is moving away from him at pace.
3. Ian Henderson's Brilliant Side-Footed Lob
Date: 1/4/2014
Match: Rochdale v. Leeds United
Competition: FA Cup, third round
Ground: Spotland Stadium, Rochdale, England
Ah, now this is the magic of the FA Cup. Non-league side Rochdale were in control for much of their third round matchup against Leeds United, and this terrific finish from Ian Henderson ensured the Dale would march into the fourth round of the tournament.
2. Alexis Caps His Hat Trick in Style
Date: 1/5/2014
Match: Barcelona v. Elche
Competition: La Liga match
Ground: Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain
This is one way to start off the New Year. Barcelona completed their 4-0 demolition of Elche with this sensational Alexis free kick. It was only fitting that the Chilean would save his best goal for last, to cap off his hat trick. Perhaps more important, Barca kept pace with Atelico at the top of the table, who picked up right where they left off before the break.
1. Luis Suarez Does it Again
Date: 1/1/2014
Match: Liverpool v. Hull City
Competition: English Premier League match
Ground: Anfield, Liverpool, England
Another free kick opportunity, another wonder goal from Luis Suarez. You just can't keep this man off the score sheet at the moment. Liverpool will go as far as their talisman takes them.
