James Wood

Sat 27 March 2021 11:00, UK

Yesterday marked 21 years since Paolo Di Canio scored the greatest goal the Premier League has ever seen for West Ham.

On March 26, 2000, Paolo Di Canio netted a scissor-kick volley in our 2-1 victory over Wimbledon at Upton Park. It is regarded by many as the best goal ever scored in the English top-tier.

Undoubtedly, it is the best ever by a West Ham player. Di Canio is an icon in east London for many reasons, but this one tops the pile.

The Hammers were all over the Dons in the opening stages of the game. With just nine minutes gone, England international Trevor Sinclair picked up the ball on the right flank. He hit a crossfield drive at Di Canio, who only had one thought in his mind.

The Italian maverick leapt with both feet off the floor to volley right-footed. It flew past an outstretched Neil Sullivan into the corner of the Dons net.

The sheer confidence, or arrogance, to even take on the shot, summed Di Cano up perfectly. It was breathtaking, seamless, and clinical, all in one fluid motion.

Di Canio knew how to get people on the edge of their seats, it’s why the West Ham faithful adored him. But even by his huge standards, this was ridiculous.

It spurred the Hammers on to win the game 2-1, continuing what was turning into a fantastic season in east London.

Prior to this fixture, we’d become a force to be reckoned with at home. Managed by Harry Redknapp, we’d won eight and lost just two of our 14 home fixtures.

We’d begun the season by winning the UEFA Intertoto Cup and beating arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur in our opening league game.

West Ham fans have always loved a showman. Since his departure in 2003, no one has really come close to emulating the magic Di Canio would produce at Upton Park. It was his playground at times.

This was another one of those magical afternoons. On reflection, it was easily the most famous moment the Boleyn Ground has ever seen.

In other West Ham news, should we promote this promising academy starlet to the senior squad?