The greatest solo performances in Premier League history – ranked

The Premier League has witnessed some of the most extraordinary individual displays in football history. From goalkeepers producing world-class performances to strikers delivering unstoppable hat-tricks, certain players have left an indelible mark in the memory of football fans worldwide. Here, we'll take a look at some of the greatest solo performances ever seen in England’s top flight.

Sheffield United’s 1-0 victory over Arsenal was secured in remarkable fashion, with Jagielka, a central defender by trade, playing in goal after an injury to Paddy Kenny. Despite relentless Arsenal pressure, he made several vital saves, including a stunning stop from Robin van Persie. His makeshift goalkeeping heroics ensured a famous win at Bramall Lane.

Didier Drogba was unstoppable in Chelsea’s dominant 3-0 win over Arsenal, scoring twice in a display of sheer power and precision. His first goal was a clinical close-range finish off the crossbar, while his second—a thunderous freekick—highlighted his incredible technique. Drogba finished the 2009-10 season with 29 league goals, according to Transfermarkt, leading Chelsea to a domestic double.

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Ravanelli introduced himself to English football with a stunning hat-trick on his Premier League debut, earning Middlesbrough a thrilling 3-3 draw. The Italian forward’s movement and finishing were exemplary, with all three goals showcasing his natural instincts in front of goal. Despite Boro’s eventual relegation that season, even though they reached the finals of both domestic cup competitions, this performance remains iconic.

In a top-of-the-table clash, Alexander-Arnold delivered a breathtaking performance in Liverpool’s 4-0 demolition of Leicester. The right-back provided two assists and capped off his display with a superb goal on the counter-attack. His passing, crossing and positional play helped the Reds to dominate the game, giving fans belief that they would go on to end their 30-year wait to win the Premier League—and they did.

Arsenal looked dead and buried at 2-0 down with 15 minutes to play, but Kanu produced a jaw-dropping late hat-trick to secure an unforgettable 3-2 win at Stamford Bridge. His third goal, where he dribbled past Ed de Goey from a near-impossible angle before curling the ball into the net, is one of the most iconic goals in Premier League history.

Grealish orchestrated one of the most shocking results in Premier League history, inspiring Aston Villa’s 7-2 demolition of defending champions Liverpool. He scored twice and provided three assists, playing a role in five of Villa’s goals. His dribbling and creativity left Liverpool’s defence helpless, marking one of the most dominant performances ever against a title-winning side.

Silva was untouchable in Manchester City’s historic 6-1 demolition of United at Old Trafford. He scored a well-taken goal, assisted twice and dictated the tempo with his flawless passing. His highlight moment was an outrageous assist for Edin Džeko’s goal, a pinpoint through ball on the half-volley that split United’s defence apart.

Solskjaer came off the bench and scored four goals in just 12 minutes in Manchester United’s astonishing 8-1 victory at the City Ground. The Norwegian's finishing was clinical, demonstrating his renowned composure inside the box. This remains the fastest four-goal haul by a substitute in Premier League history.

Fowler tore apart one of the league’s best defences with a hat-trick in just four minutes and 33 seconds, setting a record at the time. His first was a clinical finish, capitalising on a Martin Keown error, his second a low strike from a tight angle, and his third a tap-in after evading David Seaman. Arsenal simply had no answer to his ruthlessness in front of goal on that day at Anfield.

In a crucial title showdown, Schmeichel produced one of his greatest performances as Manchester United edged past Newcastle 1-0. Facing relentless pressure from the Magpies, he made a string of outstanding saves, including a crucial stop from Les Ferdinand. This result played a pivotal role in United’s dramatic comeback to win the title.

Sergio Agüero’s last-minute heroics against QPR are immortalised in Premier League history, but his overall performance in Manchester City’s dramatic 3-2 win was just as crucial. With City needing a winner in stoppage time, Agüero kept his composure to slot home the most famous goal in English football history. His 23-goal season, according to Transfermarkt, powered City to their first-ever Premier League title.

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Lampard sealed Chelsea’s first league title in 50 years with a match-winning brace away at Bolton in 2005. His first goal came from a perfectly timed run and finish, while his second saw him calmly round the goalkeeper to confirm Chelsea’s 2-0 victory. Lampard, who was Chelsea’s top scorer that season with 13 league goals, according to Transfermarkt, showed leadership and composure under pressure and was instrumental in securing José Mourinho’s first English crown.

Viduka produced a masterclass in finishing, scoring all four goals in Leeds United’s thrilling 4-3 win over Liverpool. The Australian's movement, composure and clinical nature were on full display, scoring all sorts of goals, including a header, a strike from a tight angle and two delicate chips. This performance remains one of the greatest individual attacking displays in Premier League history.

After a slow start to the season, Cantona's arrival at Old Trafford, announced with an imperious performance in a 4-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, proved to be the catalyst for Manchester United to go on to win the inaugural Premier League title. After scoring a looping header, the Frenchman produced one of the best assists in history with a poked chip for Denis Irwin to make it 2-0 on the night.

Arshavin shocked Anfield with a sensational four-goal haul in Arsenal’s thrilling 4-4 draw to dent the Reds' title hopes. Despite Liverpool dominating the match, the Russian forward was ruthlessly efficient, scoring from all four of his shots on target. His last goal in the 90th minute nearly secured a dramatic win, but Liverpool equalised in stoppage time.

Miklosko’s goalkeeping heroics were a key part of West Ham’s rearguard action as they battled valiantly to a 1-1 draw to deny Manchester United the title on the final day of the season. Under siege from wave after wave of United attacks, he made crucial saves from Andy Cole and Mark Hughes. His performance ensured Blackburn Rovers lifted the Premier League trophy, making him a cult hero at Upton Park.

Suárez delivered one of the most devastating attacking performances in Premier League history in Liverpool’s 5-1 demolition of Norwich, scoring four goals—all of which were spectacular. His strikes included a breathtaking 40-yard half-volley, an instinctive first-time finish and a free kick. The Uruguayan became the first player to score three hat-tricks against the same club in the Premier League era and ended the 2013-14 season with 31 goals in 33 games, according to Transfermarkt, winning the Golden Boot.

Henry delivered one of his finest performances in Arsenal’s historic Invincibles season, scoring a stunning hat-trick in a 4-2 win over Liverpool and tormenting Liverpool’s backline, Jamie Carragher in particular, throughout. His second goal was a mesmerising solo effort, weaving past multiple defenders before finishing calmly past Jerzy Dudek. This win helped Arsenal stay on course to complete an unbeaten league campaign.

Leicester City’s fairytale title-winning season had many defining moments, and Huth’s performance in their 3-1 win at the Etihad was one of them. The towering centre-back scored twice from set pieces, bullying City’s defence, and marshalled Leicester’s backline superbly. His dominant display proved Leicester were serious title contenders and made the fans really believe in the impossible for the first time.

Bergkamp’s hat-trick in a 3-3 draw is widely regarded as one of the greatest individual performances ever. His first two goals showcased his exquisite technique, but his third (pictured) was a masterpiece—controlling the ball with one touch, flicking it over a defender with the second and finishing clinically with the third. This remains the gold standard of Premier League solo performances.

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