Top 10 Worst Hat-tricks in Premier League History

Football is a game of highs and lows, and sometimes, the lows can be quite comical. While hat-tricks are usually celebrated, there have been instances in Premier League history where the term ‘hat-trick’ should be used very loosely. Let’s take a look at some of the most underwhelming hat-tricks that left fans scratching their heads.

1. Cole Palmer (Everton vs Manchester City, 2023-24)

Cole Palmer’s hat-trick against Everton might sound impressive on paper, but in reality, it was a series of fortunate events rather than skillful finishes. One goal came from a deflection, another from a goalkeeping error, and the third from a blatant offside position. It was a hat-trick filled with luck rather than talent.

2. Sergio Agüero (Manchester City vs Newcastle United, 2011-12)

Sergio Agüero’s hat-trick against Newcastle United is often hailed as a legendary moment, but let’s not forget the details. One goal was a mishit shot that looped over the goalkeeper, the second was a penalty that almost got saved, and the third was a tap-in after a defensive blunder. Not exactly the stuff of dreams.

3. Alan Shearer (Newcastle United vs Southampton, 1995-96)

Alan Shearer’s hat-trick against Southampton was more about the Saints’ defensive frailties than Shearer’s attacking prowess. All three goals came from set-pieces where the Southampton defense seemed to be on vacation. Shearer’s celebrations were more out of disbelief than pride.

4. Thierry Henry (Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur, 2001-02)

Thierry Henry’s hat-trick against Tottenham Hotspur was overshadowed by the fact that two of the goals were deflected shots that wrong-footed the goalkeeper. The third goal, though a decent finish, was more about luck than Henry’s renowned skill. It was a hat-trick that left both sets of fans puzzled.

5. Robbie Fowler (Liverpool vs Arsenal, 1995-96)

Robbie Fowler’s hat-trick against Arsenal was marred by the fact that all three goals came from the penalty spot. While scoring a hat-trick is always an achievement, doing so from penalties raises questions about the quality of the goals. Fowler’s celebrations seemed more apologetic than triumphant.

6. Wayne Rooney (Manchester United vs Arsenal, 2004-05)

Wayne Rooney’s hat-trick against Arsenal was a mix of brilliance and bizarre goals. One goal was a scuffed shot that trickled into the net, the second was a goalkeeping error, and the third was a deflected shot that wrong-footed the goalkeeper. Rooney’s celebrations were a mix of relief and amusement.

7. Didier Drogba (Chelsea vs Arsenal, 2009-10)

Didier Drogba’s hat-trick against Arsenal was more about the Gunners’ defensive lapses than Drogba’s attacking prowess. Two of the goals came from defensive errors, and the third was a tap-in after a goalmouth scramble. Drogba’s celebrations seemed more incredulous than ecstatic.

8. Luis Suárez (Liverpool vs Norwich City, 2013-14)

Luis Suárez’s hat-trick against Norwich City was overshadowed by the fact that all three goals came from individual mistakes by the Norwich defenders. Suárez’s finishing was clinical, but the circumstances of the goals left a lot to be desired. It was a hat-trick that raised eyebrows rather than applause.

9. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool vs Watford, 2017-18)

Mohamed Salah’s hat-trick against Watford was more about the Hornets’ defensive frailties than Salah’s attacking brilliance. Two of the goals came from defensive errors, and the third was a penalty. Salah’s celebrations seemed more sympathetic than celebratory.

10. Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur vs Southampton, 2015-16)

Harry Kane’s hat-trick against Southampton was a mix of decent finishes and goalkeeping errors. While Kane showed his predatory instincts, two of the goals were gifts from the Southampton defense, and the third was a scrappy finish. Kane’s celebrations seemed more relieved than exuberant.

This list of underwhelming hat-tricks serves as a reminder that not all hat-tricks are created equal. While some are works of art, others are more like happy accidents that somehow end up in the back of the net. Football, as they say, is a funny old game.