West Ham United – March 2014
Another example here of goalkeepers needing to mind their positioning on the pitch against Rooney, no matter where the striker is. Just a few steps under 60 yards, Rooney’s long-range blast against West Ham United was a stunner.
With only a few seconds available to recognise West Ham goalkeeper Adrian off his line, Rooney’s ability to put enough pace and accuracy from that distance was exhilarating. That campaign under David Moyes was certainly no success, but Rooney definitely provided a true highlight.
Making the goal a bit sweeter was one particular member of the crowd that day. With a wry smile, David Beckham was one of the many applauding Rooney’s effort.
Beckham’s goal against Wimbledon in 1996 from the half-way line is the stuff of legends, and he was certainly pleased to see a similar moment from Wayne Rooney.