When the chips were down, these players often came to their teams' rescue with goals off the bench
When it comes to impact off the bench, some players have made an indelible mark in the Premier League history books.
From iconic moments to crucial goals, these substitutes have often been the difference-makers for their teams. Here's a closer look at the top seven Premier League players with the most goals as substitutes:
7. Peter Crouch (16 Goals)
Former England international Peter Crouch enjoyed a distinguished Premier League career spanning several clubs, including Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, and Stoke City. Standing at 6 feet 7 inches tall, Crouch was a formidable presence in the box and often made an impact as a substitute.
He scored 16 goals off the bench during his Premier League career, demonstrating his aerial prowess and ability to score crucial goals in key moments of the game.
6. Daniel Sturridge (17 Goals)
Daniel Sturridge was a prolific goalscorer during his Premier League career, representing clubs like Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool, and West Bromwich Albion.
Sturridge's knack for finding the back of the net extended to his performances as a substitute, with 17 of his Premier League goals coming off the bench. His contributions off the bench were crucial for various clubs he represented in the Premier League, showcasing his versatility and predatory instincts.
5. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (17 Goals)
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer etched his name in Manchester United folklore with his heroics as a substitute. The Norwegian forward scored 17 goals off the bench for the Red Devils, including one of the most memorable moments in Premier League history.
Solskjaer scored four goals against Nottingham Forest in February 1999 after coming off the bench in United's 8-1 away win at the City Ground. He remains the only player to score four times as a substitute in a Premier League match.
4. Kanu Nwankwo (17 Goals)
Nigerian striker Kanu Nwankwo left an indelible mark on the Premier League with his flair and creativity. He scored 17 substitute goals in the Premier League, showcasing his ability to make an impact off the bench for Arsenal and Portsmouth.
Seven of Kanu's substitute goals came during his first two seasons at Arsenal, where he showcased his sublime skills and knack for finding the back of the net in crucial moments.
3. Javier Hernández (19 Goals)
Javier Hernández, affectionately known as 'Chicharito,' became a fan favorite during his time at Manchester United. The Mexican striker scored 19 goals as a substitute in the Premier League, with 14 of them coming during his stint at Old Trafford.
Hernández' knack for poaching goals in crucial moments endeared him to the United faithful, and he played a pivotal role in several matches, scoring winning goals as a substitute on multiple occasions.
2. Olivier Giroud (21 Goals)
French striker Olivier Giroud enjoyed a successful Premier League career with Arsenal and Chelsea. Renowned for his physicality and aerial prowess, Giroud often made crucial contributions off the bench.
He netted 21 goals as a substitute, with the majority of them scored during his time at Arsenal. Giroud's final Premier League goal as a substitute came in Chelsea's 2-0 win over Newcastle United in February 2021.
1. Jermain Defoe (24 Goals)
Jermain Defoe's career spanned several Premier League clubs, including West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur, and AFC Bournemouth. Known for his predatory instincts in front of goal, Defoe's ability to make an impact off the bench was unparalleled.
He holds the record for the most substitute goals in Premier League history, with 24 goals scored after coming off the bench. Notably, Defoe scored his final Premier League goal as a substitute for Bournemouth against Watford in March 2018.
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