John Stones’ late winner and my top 14 Premier League last-gasp match-winners (2018-Present)
Manchester City defender John Stones joined the list of Premier League match late heroes when he netted a last-minute winner against Wolverhampton Wanderers, sealing a 1-2 victory at Molineux on Sunday, October 20, 2024.
This article ranks my top 14 Premier League late match-winners from 2018 to date, with Stones’ heroic moment securing the 8th spot. While dominant victories are satisfying, few things in football compare to the drama of injury-time winners that turn the tide in favour of the scoring side.
14. Steven Bergwijn – Leicester 2-3 Tottenham (2022)
In January 2022, Bergwijn pulled off one of the most incredible late comebacks, scoring twice in stoppage time. After netting the equalizer in the 95th minute, he capitalized on a Leicester mistake moments later to secure victory for Spurs.
13. Alex Iwobi – Everton 1-0 Newcastle (2022)
In March 2022, Iwobi’s 99th-minute goal gave Everton a crucial win in their battle against relegation. Down to 10 men and playing with enormous pressure, the Nigerian found the net in one of the league’s longest injury-time periods.
12. Scott McTominay – Man United 2-1 Brentford (2023)
Trailing 0-1 at Old Trafford, McTominay scored twice in stoppage time to complete a sensational comeback and deliver all three points for United. His brace highlighted his ability to perform in clutch moments.
11. Douglas Luiz – Aston Villa 3-1 Crystal Palace (2023)
In September 2023, Luiz scored a 98th-minute penalty after a lengthy VAR review. His calm finish swung the game Villa’s way, securing a vital home win.
10. Darwin Nunez – Liverpool 1-0 Nottingham Forest (2024)
Facing a stubborn Nottingham Forest defence, Liverpool left it late, with Nunez scoring a powerful header in the 99th minute, keeping their title hopes alive amidst an injury crisis.
9. Dejan Kulusevski – Tottenham 2-1 Sheffield United (2023)
Kulusevski netted in the 100th minute to complete a comeback after Richarlison’s equalizer, setting a new record at the time for the latest winning goal in league history.
8. John Stones – Wolves 1-2 Man City (2024)
City’s John Stones scored a thrilling 93rd-minute winner at Molineux on October 20, 2024. His strike ensured City maintained their momentum in the title race, showcasing the defender’s knack for clutch moments.
7. Reiss Nelson – Arsenal 3-2 Bournemouth (2023)
In March 2023, Arsenal fought back from 0-2 down, with Nelson’s 97th-minute goal capping an exhilarating comeback that kept their title dreams alive.
6. Kobbie Mainoo – Wolves 3-4 Man United (2024)
In a thrilling seven-goal encounter, Mainoo scored a composed 97th-minute winner to hand United all three points, marking the youngster’s first Premier League goal.
5. Cole Palmer – Chelsea 4-3 Man United (2024)
Palmer struck in the 101st minute to seal a dramatic win for Chelsea in April 2024, making history with one of the latest winning goals ever recorded in the league.
4. Declan Rice / Gabriel Jesus – Arsenal 3-1 Man United (2023)
Rice’s 96th-minute goal gave Arsenal the lead after Garnacho’s offside goal was disallowed. Gabriel Jesus then sealed the win with a late third goal to wrap up a memorable victory.
3. Alexis Mac Allister – Brighton 1-0 Man United (2023)
The Argentine midfielder scored a 99th-minute penalty to secure a crucial win in May 2023, helping Brighton qualify for European competition.
2. Alisson Becker – West Brom 1-2 Liverpool (2021)
The Liverpool goalkeeper made history by scoring a 95th-minute header, keeping Liverpool’s top-four hopes alive in one of the most emotional moments of the season.
1. Divock Origi – Liverpool 1-0 Everton (2018)
In the 96th minute of a Merseyside derby, Origi pounced on a Jordan Pickford error to score a memorable winner, sending Anfield into ecstasy in one of the most iconic moments under Jurgen Klopp.
Late goals like these show the sheer unpredictability of football and keep fans on the edge of their seats until the very last second.
