Pedro Goncalves wonder-strike in Europa League against Arsenal an immediate contender for Puskas Award - 'Take a bow!'

Sporting CP winger Pedro Goncalves scored one of the goals of the season from almost halfway to leave Arsenal fans with their jaws on the floor during the two sides' Europa League clash on Thursday night. The 24-year-old picked up a loose ball just inside his own half and took a few strides forward before launching a dipping missile of a shot over the head of Aaron Ramsdale and into the net. Ad Goncalves took the shot from just inside the Arsenal half, evoking memories of famous goals of a similar ilk from the likes of Wayne Rooney and David Beckham.

Europa LeagueArteta blasts sloppy Arsenal after Sporting penalty heartache — 'Huge blow'31 MINUTES AGO It was a crucial goal, too, taking the last-16 tie level 1-1 on the night and to 3-3 on aggregate to ultimately force extra-time and penalties, whereupon Sporting won it. “It is a stunning way for Sporting to level the tie – one of the goals of the season. take a bow, Pedro Goncalves,” said BT Sport commentator Adam Summerton.

Comparisons were quickly being made with famous historic goals from down the years. Beckham scored an iconic goal from halfway for Manchester United against Wimbledon in 1996, one of the standout moments of his early career. Xabi Alonso went one further, scoring from well inside his own half for Liverpool against Newcastle in 2006.