Emmerson Boyce joins ranks of those who’ve scored at both ends

The late own goal from Wigan defender Emmerson Boyce against Tottenham on Saturday didn’t just alter the situation at both the top and bottom of the Premier League, it also saw Boyce join a surprisingly illustrious list of names.

Having earlier cancelled out Gareth Bale’s opener with a header, Boyce then saw Callum McManaman fire Wigan in front only for the defender to inadvertently turn Tom Huddlestone’s cross into his own net for the match to finish 2-2.

It wasn’t the first time that a player has scored for both sides in a match, and the list of those who’ve done so is littered with famous names.

Here are just a few:

Wayne Rooney – Manchester United 4 Stoke 2, 20/10/2012

It was a surprise when Stoke took the lead at the home of the team who would eventually become this season’s champions, and the identity of the goalscorer made it even more of a shock. Rooney headed Charlie Adam’s cross past a stranded David De Gea to give Stoke an early lead, but normal service was soon resumed when the forward struck either side of half-time – including another header – in United’s 4-2 win.

Gareth Bale – Tottenham 2 Liverpool 1, 28/11/2012

Bale’s influence was stamped all over this game, as his fine assist for Aaron Lennon was then followed by the Welshman firing home a free-kick to put Tottenham 2-0 up inside 16 minutes. Liverpool were impressive in their attempt to hit back though, and there was a touch of comedy about their goal as a Steven Gerrard header was cleared off the line by Lennon and straight into Bale’s face, from where it dropped into the net.

David Beckham – Blackburn 2 Manchester United 2, 23/08/2001

Yes, even Goldenballs himself makes the list. Then at Manchester United, the midfield idol somehow managed to flick an Alan Mahon cross past Fabian Barthez and into his own net in an early season contest against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park. Becks was soon back to doing what he does best though, and his trademark free-kick ensured that Sir Alex Ferguson’s men pinched a point.

Emmanuel Adebayor – Manchester City 2 Chelsea 1, 05/12/2009

In a heavyweight Premier League clash, Adebayor bundled home a corner to give Chelsea an earl lead in Manchester. The Togolese forward made amends some half an hour later when he turned home a cross from Shaun Wright-Phillips to level matters. Carlos Tevez’s free-kick put City back in front, with Shay Given’s penalty save from Frank Lampard helping the hosts towards the points.

Chris Nicholl – Aston Villa 2 Leicester 2, 20/03/1976

Who, we hear you ask? Aston Villa and Northern Ireland centre-back Nicholl set a remarkable record in a Division One match in 1976 when he scored all the goals in a 2-2 draw. Nicholl twice gave Leicester the lead with own goals, only to twice draw Villa level. He later admitted that his third goal of the day (a diving header for Leicester’s second) was the best goal he ever scored!