For the second time this season, Brighton wonderkid Julio Enciso has scored a screamer from outside the box against one of the Premier League’s traditional ‘Big Six’ — bagging a 25-yard equaliser against Man City.
The Seagulls found themselves a goal down after only 25 minutes against the recently-crowned Premier League champions in their midweek encounter — but less than a quarter-of-an-hour later, they would be level thanks to another sensational strike from their teenage star.
Collecting the ball in the half space, Enciso quickly swivelled, set himself up and uncorked a bullet strike that left stand-in ‘keeper Stefan Ortega with little chance. The 25-yard zinger was perfectly placed in the top right-hand corner of the goal, and nearly bursting the net in the process.
This is the second time this campaign that the Paraguayan has scored a goal-of-the-season contender: he famously doubled his Premier League tally with a long-ranged effort at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea last month, which ultimately proved a match-winner.
Speaking about his latest wondergoal, former midfielder-turned-pundit Jamie Redknapp couldn’t hold back his amazement.
During his half-time analysis for Sky Sports, he said: “This is why it’s so important you’ve got a goalkeeper who can play out from the back.
“That is Ronaldo-esque, it’s such an amazing strike, it’s as good a strike I’ve seen in the Premier League for so long.
“The goalkeeper is missing it by five yards, what technique.”
Harry Kane and Julio Enciso are the only two players to score against Man City Arsenal and Chelsea in the Premier League this season. ? https://t.co/nTJSe5qhNM
— Squawka (@Squawka) May 24, 2023
Enciso’s goal ultimately clinched Roberto De Zerbi’s men a point from the game and confirmed their place in next season’s Europa League. Seventh-placed Aston Villa were still mathematically able to catch The Seagulls heading into the final day, but the South Coast club are now clear.
This was the Enciso’s fourth Premier League goal of the season, following further strikes against Bournemouth, that aforementioned belter against The Blues and the opener in Brighton’s 3-0 win over Arsenal.
His strike also ended Man City’s 12-game winning run in the Premier League and their 25-game winning streak on a Wednesday — the latter a competition record for a specific day of the week.