Because using the top of the boot is so last year

If footballers kicking a ball with the top of their foot isn’t enough excitement for you, the last seven days has really been a treat, as a trend of using an alternative means of transport in getting ball to net has emerged. Aston Villa’s Gabriel Agbonlahor started it off last Wednesday night against Cardiff, Andrei Arshavin continued on Tuesday but the Milan-Zurich game last night saw the phenomena reach its zenith, with one of the great back-heels from former West Ham defender Hannu Tihinen (he didn’t learn that from Steve Lomas down at the Boleyn), in addition to a similar goal from Porto’s Falcao.

The Spoiler’s six favourite back-footed compliments are after the jump.

Grafite
Although Michael Carrick did eventually keep the Wolf from the draw last night, ITV1 observers couldn’t have failed to be impressed by the Wolfsburg front two of Grafite and goal-scorer Dzeko. Here Grafite hammers a nail into Jurgen Klinsmann’s Bayern coffin, scoring in a 5-1 victory.

Thierry Henry
Game 48 of the triumphant Arsenal unbeaten run saw them brush aside Charlton Athletic, who younger readers will be surprised to know, were once a Premier League club. Henry was at his imperious best back then and this goal showed not just his imagination, but also the man’s strength as he held off Jonathan Fortune.

Kanu
The ageless Nigerian scored arguably the finest ever Premier League backheel, in Arsenal’s end of season thumping of Middlesborough a decade or so ago. Kanu’s first birthday at Arsenal was allegedly marked by the players all purchasing him twenty cans of deoderant, as apparently the big striker wasn’t so keen on washing. The fact that only fellow loner Nic Anelka goes for a post-goal hug despite the quality of the strike, seems to put a bit of meat on that particular bone.

John Carew
John Carew didn’t always lumber around Villa Park looking uninterested. In the olden days, he used to make the best full-back of his generation look as immobile and lightweight as err, well John Carew I suppose.

Francesco Totti
Yes its only in training, and yes, the goalkeeper barely makes an effort. But go outside right now and try to do this without falling over. Then report back. It won’t go well.

Denis Law
Forget recent goings-on - this is a dramatic end to a Manchester derby, as former United legend Denis Law effectively relegates his former club with a magnificent back-heel.

Spitting feathers at a glaring omission? Don’t be shy about it. Tell us below…