Figueroa spectacular halfway line goal overshadows Becks goal

London, Dec 13(ANI): Wigan Athletic left-back Maynor Figueroa has overshadowed David Beckham to net the most spectacular goal in Premier League history.

Figueroa netted a free-kick from the halfway line, which travelled some 61 yards to sail over Stoke City goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen and into the back of the net.

A similar effort was made by Beckham (for Manchester United) in 1996 to score against Wimbledon, but according to Wigan manager Roberto Martinez, Figueroa's goal was better.

"Beckham's goal was from open play and you have to be arrogant to try it, but to do if from a free kick you have to be very arrogant! But the technicality of the goal doesn't surprise me as I have seen how he strikes the ball in training, but to have that arrogance to try it in a game is something special," The News of The World quoted Martinez, as saying.

"You can watch it time after time because to beat a keeper of Sorensen's standard, from that distance, is something special," he added.

Meanwhile, Stoke City manager Tony Pulis applauded the special effort.

"We were brilliant until he smashed the ball in, but don't take anything away from the lad - it was a great strike," Pulis said. (ANI)