Manchester United‘s David de Gea put in another goalkeeping masterclass in their Champions League goalless draw against Sevilla on Wednesday.
The highlight was the Spain international’s one-handed reaction save from Luis Muriel’s point-blank header late in the first half.
Here, Press Association Sport looks at five of the greatest saves in the history of the game.
Gordon Banks v Pele, 1970
Still regarded as the greatest save of all time and given added kudos for the stage – the 1970 World Cup – and the quality of opponent. Pele’s powerful header from 10 yards is destined for the bottom corner close to the upright but Banks, having scampered across from the near post threw himself at the ball and using the bounce tips it over the crossbar.
Arguably the best-ever: Gordon Banks.
Peter Schmeichel v Rene Wagner, 1996
A similar effort to the Banks one. This time the cross was an inswinging one from the left wing which Rene Wagner, seven yards out, headed downwards. Schmeichel was helped slightly by the ball bouncing just in front of him but with the effort being more central the Dane had to ensure he got enough on the ball to divert it over the crossbar.
Goalkeeeping giant: Red Devils legend Peter Schmeichel.
David Seaman v Paul Peschisolido, 2003
A remarkable point-blank reaction save which Seaman rates as the best of his career. Arsenal were hanging on against Sheffield United in their FA Cup semi-final at Old Trafford when, with six minutes to go, Carl Asaba volleyed goalwards from a corner and Peschisolido got his head on it from three yards out. The ball was more than a yard behind Seaman, on his 1,000th senior appearance, and to his right but somehow he managed to get his arm back to claw it away.
Extraordinary: A wonder save from David Seaman.
Gregory Coupet v Rivaldo, 2001
A brilliant save which owed as much to quick thinking as rapid reflexes. Claudio Capaca, under pressure from Barcelona’s Rivaldo, lobbed a backpass goalwards which looked like dropping over Coupet and into the net only for the goalkeeper to dive backwards and head the ball against the crossbar – therefore avoiding conceding an indirect free-kick in his own six-yard area. Coupet then hauled himself off the floor in the back of the net to get up and dive low to his right to repel the Brazilian’s close-range header.
Sold between the sticks: Gregory Coupet.
Jim Montgomery v Trevor Cherry/Peter Lorimer, 1973
The Sunderland goalkeeper’s heroics have lived long in the memory as they helped the Black Cats win the FA Cup final 1-0 against Leeds. Cherry launched himself at a far-post cross but his diving header from six yards out was repelled by Montgomery. Lorimer rifled in the follow up from equally close range but Montgomery was already on his feet to tip it onto the crossbar to the bemusement of television commentators who had already called a goal.
Sunderland famously won the 1973 FA Cup.
