Ranked: The Premier League's Top 11 Own Goals that Made History for All the Wrong Reasons

Throughout its storied history, the Premier League has treated fans to a plethora of unforgettable moments. From breathtaking goals to nail-biting comebacks and contentious calls, the league's evolution since its inception in 1992 has been marked by drama and excitement.

Among the most amusing and cringe-worthy occurrences in recent memory are the own goals scored by players, inadvertently turning the tide against their own teams. Even the most skilled and revered footballers have had their fair share of mishaps, leading to some comical and unforgettable moments on the pitch.

Below, we recount 11 of the most memorable and unfortunate own goals in Premier League history, featuring notable names like Jamie Carragher and Gareth Bale.

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11. Jamie Carragher

Liverpool vs Manchester United

Jamie Carragher likely had high hopes for a memorable performance during Liverpool's clash with arch-rivals Manchester United in 1999 at Anfield. However, fate had a different plan for the defender, as he found himself at the center of unfortunate events, contributing not one, but two own goals to his team's downfall in a 3-2 loss to the Red Devils.

Carragher's first mishap was particularly disappointing, as he inadvertently directed a header into his own net, conceding a goal for the opposition. Regrettably, this wasn't an isolated incident for the Reds' stalwart, as he holds the unfortunate distinction of scoring own goals more than once in his career. In fact, only Richard Dunne has scored more own goals than the retired center-back in Premier League history. Carragher's own goal against Manchester United was just one of seven instances where he inadvertently put the ball past his own goalkeeper.

10. Phil Jones

Newcastle United vs Manchester United

In a match at St James' Park with his side trailing 2-0, Phil Jones inadvertently added to Manchester United's woes by redirecting a long ball from Newcastle United goalkeeper Tim Krul into his own net. Despite goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard's attempt to intercept the ball over the top, Jones, unaware of the situation, inadvertently deflected it into the goal.

The unfortunate own goal compounded Manchester United's disappointment in the 2011-2012 season, as they narrowly missed out on the Premier League title to Manchester City in a dramatic fashion on the final day of the campaign. At the time, Jones was in his debut season at Old Trafford, having enjoyed an otherwise impressive first year at the prestigious English club.

9. Arijanet Muric

Burnley vs Brighton

In Burnley's recent encounter against Brighton, Arijanet Muric, the Kosovo international goalkeeper, found himself in an unfortunate situation. Reinstated into the Clarets' starting XI by Vincent Kompany due to James Trafford's struggles, Muric made a costly error. With Burnley leading 1-0 and aiming to secure crucial points in their battle to avoid relegation, Muric allowed a routine back pass to slip under his foot with the slightest touch. This blunder resulted in the opposing team scoring, leaving the Turf Moor faithful stunned as Burnley lost out on two valuable points.

8. Gareth Bale

Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool

In Tottenham Hotspur's match against Liverpool, Gareth Bale found himself in an unfortunate situation when Aaron Lennon's powerful clearance inadvertently struck him in the face before deflecting into the net. While this own goal may seem comical, it was purely a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. However, Spurs managed to overcome this setback and emerged victorious with a 2-1 win at White Hart Lane, with both Lennon and Bale redeeming themselves by scoring in the right net.

7. Peter Enckelman

Birmingham vs Aston Villa

Peter Enckleman etched his name into the annals of the Second City derby, albeit for all the wrong reasons, when his mishandling of a throw-in allowed Birmingham City to extend their lead over Aston Villa in 2002. The goalkeeper's blunder contributed to his team's 3-0 defeat at St Andrew's, granting the Blues victory and local bragging rights in this Premier League encounter.

Fast forward over two decades later, and memories of Enckleman's infamous error resurfaced upon witnessing Arijanet Muric's similar gaffe for Burnley in 2024. The Finnish shot-stopper is unlikely to have forgotten the moment swiftly, especially considering the circumstances of the slip-up against Villa's arch-rivals.

6. Vincent Kompany

Fulham vs Manchester City

Despite numerous world-class displays for Manchester City during his tenure at the Etihad Stadium, Vincent Kompany committed a rare blunder in 2013 when he inadvertently sliced an attempted clearance into his own net in a match against Fulham.

However, City bounced back from this setback, securing a hard-fought 4-2 triumph over their Premier League adversaries at Craven Cottage. Kompany's miscue was a one-off occurrence, unlikely to be replicated even if given a hundred attempts due to the unique trajectory of the ball after leaving his boot.

5. David Wetherall

Everton vs Leeds United

During Leeds United's Premier League encounter with Everton in 1995, David Wetherall had intended to clear a hopeful through ball but inadvertently directed it into the top corner at Goodison Park.

Despite Wetherall's unintentional contribution, Leeds succumbed to a 2-0 defeat against Everton, rounding off a season that saw them finish 13th in the top-flight standings. The accidental goal was reminiscent of a finish any top-class striker would be proud of.

4. Andy Myers

Liverpool vs Chelsea

In Chelsea's encounter with Liverpool at Anfield, Andy Myers experienced a moment of madness instead of his usual cool, calm demeanor. Attempting to cushion a header back to goalkeeper Kevin Hitchcock, Myers inadvertently scored an own goal, contributing to his side's 5-1 defeat to the Reds.

Despite Hitchcock's efforts to rectify the situation, Myers' memorable mishap highlighted a day of frustration for Chelsea. The former Bradford City defender's guided header into his own net was a moment even the most skilled goalscorers would have admired, albeit in the wrong direction.

3. Lauren

Manchester City vs Arsenal

In a moment that stands out as one of the most bizarre own-goals in Premier League history, Arsenal defender Lauren found himself in a perplexing situation during the club's match against Manchester City in 2003. Instead of clearing the ball, Lauren attempted to dribble it back to goalkeeper Jens Lehmann but lost his bearings, ultimately kicking the ball into his own net to give City the lead.

Despite the initial setback, Arsenal rallied to secure a 2-1 victory away from home. However, the frustration on Lehmann's face highlighted the unusual nature of Lauren's mistake. In most cases, such situations are handled smoothly without any issues, making Lauren's error all the more puzzling.

2. Santiago Vergini

Southampton vs Sunderland

If Santiago Vergini's stunning volley against Southampton in 2014 had been directed toward the right goal, it could have easily been a contender for goal of the season. However, much to Sunderland's dismay, the defender's attempted clearance ended up soaring past goalkeeper Vito Mannone, leaving him with no chance to intervene.

The Black Cats' woes were further compounded as they suffered an 8-0 drubbing at St Mary's Stadium. Dusan Tadic was particularly influential for the home side on that occasion, providing assists for four goals in the match, including Vergini's unfortunate own-goal.

1. Tony Popovic

Portsmouth vs Crystal Palace

In a Premier League encounter between Crystal Palace and Portsmouth at Fratton Park in 2004, Tony Popovic found himself inadvertently contributing to his team's woes. Attempting to clear a cross as Palace faced a looming defeat, Popovic's intended clearance turned into an audacious flick that ended up in the top corner of the net.

The own-goal marked a particularly disappointing moment for the Eagles, who ultimately suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Pompey. Popovic's mishap stands out as one of the most unfortunate own goals in Premier League history, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the sport.

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