Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Robbie Keane, Ireland’s record goalscorer, began his professional football career in 1997 with Wolverhampton Wanderers. His exceptional talent and goalscoring prowess quickly caught the attention of several English Premier League clubs, leading to his transfer to Coventry City in 2000. Keane’s prolificacy continued at Coventry, earning him a move to Tottenham Hotspur two years later.
The Aston Villa Match
On April 19, 2009, Aston Villa hosted Tottenham Hotspur at Villa Park in a pivotal Premier League match. The stakes were high, as both teams were vying for European qualification. With the match poised at 1-1 in the dying moments, Tottenham was awarded a controversial penalty.
The Penalty
Robbie Keane stepped up to take the pivotal spot-kick. The pressure was immense, but the Irishman remained composed. With a clinical finish, he slotted the ball into the bottom corner of the net, securing a crucial 2-1 victory for Tottenham.
Celebration
Keane’s iconic penalty sparked jubilation among Tottenham fans. The striker celebrated by running towards the corner flag and sliding on his knees, a moment that has been etched into the minds of football enthusiasts.
Significance
Keane’s penalty against Aston Villa was not only a decisive moment in the match but also a turning point in Tottenham’s season. The victory propelled them into the UEFA Cup qualification places, a significant achievement for the club.
Robbie Keane’s Premier League Career
Club | Years | Goals |
---|---|---|
Wolverhampton Wanderers | 1997-2000 | 16 |
Coventry City | 2000-2002 | 23 |
Tottenham Hotspur | 2002-2008 | 121 |
Aston Villa (loan) | 2008-2009 | 7 |
Tottenham Hotspur | 2009-2011 | 53 |
West Ham United | 2011-2012 | 12 |
Aston Villa | 2012-2014 | 12 |
LA Galaxy | 2015-2016 | 55 |
ATK | 2017 | 10 |
Later Career and Retirement
Following his successful stint at Tottenham, Keane embarked on a series of loan moves and permanent transfers to Aston Villa, West Ham United, and LA Galaxy. He returned to Aston Villa in 2012 and spent two more seasons with the club before ending his playing career in India with ATK in 2017.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. When did Robbie Keane score the penalty against Aston Villa?
A: April 19, 2009
2. What was the final score of the match?
A: Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Aston Villa
3. Why was the penalty controversial?
A: Some claimed that it was not a clear-cut foul, sparking debate among pundits and fans.
4. What impact did the penalty have on Tottenham’s season?
A: It propelled them into UEFA Cup qualification places.
5. How many goals did Robbie Keane score for Tottenham Hotspur?
A: 121
References
Robbie Keane’s Aston Villa Debut
Robbie Keane made his debut for Aston Villa against Arsenal in the Premier League on 12th August 2012. He started the match and played 74 minutes before being substituted for Christian Benteke. Arsenal won the match 3-1.
Keane failed to score on his debut for Aston Villa but had a few good chances. He had a shot saved by Wojciech Szczesny in the first half and also headed wide from a Marc Albrighton cross.
Despite the defeat, Keane’s debut was seen as a positive by Aston Villa fans. He showed some good touches and looked dangerous on the attack. He is expected to play a key role for Aston Villa in the upcoming season.
Robbie Keane Goals vs Aston Villa
Irish striker Robbie Keane enjoyed a prolific goalscoring record against Aston Villa. Here are some notable goals he scored against the Birmingham-based club:
- May 14, 2003: Scored a stunning volley to help Leeds United secure a 4-0 victory at Elland Road.
- March 2, 2008: Netted twice in a 4-1 triumph for Liverpool at Villa Park, including a header off a Steven Gerrard cross.
- September 21, 2009: Scored the opening goal for Tottenham Hotspur in a 2-1 win at Villa Park, chipping the goalkeeper from close range.
- October 25, 2009: Bagged a brace in Tottenham’s 5-0 demolition of Villa at White Hart Lane, including a memorable overhead kick.
- March 27, 2010: Scored the winning goal for Tottenham in a 2-1 victory at Villa Park, converting a penalty in the dying minutes.
Robbie Keane’s Stunning Free Kick Against Aston Villa
Robbie Keane celebrated his 100th appearance for Tottenham Hotspur in style with a spectacular free kick that secured a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa in 2009.
With the game poised at 1-1 in the second half, Keane stepped up to take a free kick just outside the penalty area. He struck the ball with his trademark precision and power, curling it over the Aston Villa wall and into the top corner. The goal was an instant classic and showcased Keane’s exceptional technique and ability to score from dead-ball situations.
Robbie Keane Assists Aston Villa vs.
Robbie Keane, the former Republic of Ireland international striker, provided an assist in Aston Villa’s match against an undisclosed opponent. Keane’s precise pass set up a teammate for a goal, contributing to Aston Villa’s overall performance and result in the match.
Robbie Keane’s Stellar Performance Against Aston Villa
Robbie Keane, the Irish international striker, put on a remarkable performance against Aston Villa on [date of match]. His contributions significantly influenced the match’s outcome.
Keane scored his first goal in the [minute of match], capitalizing on a defensive error to send the ball into the top corner. He then added a second just before halftime, heading in a cross from [name of player]. His goals gave [name of team] a commanding lead going into the break.
Throughout the match, Keane was a constant threat to the Villa defense. His movement and ability to find space in the penalty area created numerous chances for his team. He also displayed his versatility by dropping deep to receive the ball and help in the buildup play.
Keane’s performance earned him high praise from his manager and teammates. He was instrumental in securing the win and moving [name of team] closer to their desired objectives.
Robbie Keane vs Aston Villa Premier League
On August 31st, 2008, Robbie Keane made a remarkable performance against Aston Villa in the Premier League.
Keane, playing for Tottenham Hotspur, scored a hat-trick, including a long-range stunner. His first goal came from a header, the second was a close-range tap-in, and the third was a spectacular strike from outside the area. Tottenham eventually won the match 4-1, with Keane’s performance earning him the Man of the Match award.
Keane’s hat-trick against Aston Villa was one of the highlights of his Premier League career. It showcased his exceptional goal-scoring ability and helped Tottenham secure an important victory.
Robbie Keane Injury vs Aston Villa
During a Premier League match between Aston Villa and Liverpool on August 16, 2009, Robbie Keane suffered an ankle injury that forced him to leave the field in the 86th minute. The injury occurred when Keane attempted to tackle Villa defender Luke Young. He was immediately substituted off and replaced by David N’Gog.
After the match, Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez confirmed that Keane had sustained a sprain and would undergo further tests to determine the severity of the injury. The tests revealed that Keane had suffered a grade-two medial ankle ligament injury, which typically requires a recovery period of 4-6 weeks.
As a result of the injury, Keane missed the following four Premier League matches, as well as Ireland’s World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Italy. He returned to action on September 26, 2009, in Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Sunderland.
Robbie Keane to Aston Villa
Robbie Keane, the former Republic of Ireland international, signed for Aston Villa on a permanent basis in July 2012. The deal, worth an undisclosed fee, was a huge coup for Villa as Keane brought a wealth of experience and goalscoring prowess to the club.
Keane made his debut for Villa in a 1-0 defeat at Liverpool, and went on to score eight goals in 34 appearances for the club during the 2012/13 season. However, he struggled to make a consistent impact and was often used as a substitute.
In the summer of 2013, Keane left Villa to join LA Galaxy in the MLS. He spent two seasons with the American club before returning to Europe to play for ATK in India.
Robbie Keane and Aston Villa
Robbie Keane’s loan move to Aston Villa from Los Angeles Galaxy was announced on January 2, 2012. The deal was initially for one month but was extended to the end of the season due to Keane’s impressive performances.
During his time at Villa, Keane scored five goals in 15 appearances, including a crucial goal in the FA Cup semi-final against Liverpool. He also played a key role in Villa’s run to the FA Cup final, where they ultimately lost to Arsenal.
Keane’s performances for Villa were praised by manager Alex McLeish, who described him as a "top, top player." However, Keane’s loan spell was marred by an ankle injury that kept him out of action for several weeks.
Despite the injury, Keane’s contribution to Villa was significant and helped the club secure a 16th-place finish in the Premier League. He returned to Los Angeles Galaxy in July 2012 after the expiration of his loan deal.
Robbie Keane and Martin O’Neill
Robbie Keane and Martin O’Neill are two legendary Irish footballers who both had successful careers at club and international level.
Keane is Ireland’s all-time leading goalscorer, with 68 goals in 146 appearances. He played for several top clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, and Celtic, and won numerous trophies, including the Premier League title, the FA Cup, and the Scottish Premiership.
O’Neill was a successful manager, leading Aston Villa and Sunderland into Europe. He also managed the Republic of Ireland national team from 2013 to 2018. Under his guidance, Ireland qualified for the UEFA European Championship in 2016 and reached the last 16.
Keane and O’Neill have a close relationship, having played together for the Republic of Ireland at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Keane has often praised O’Neill’s managerial abilities, and O’Neill has said that Keane is "one of the best players he has ever worked with."
Robbie Keane Aston Villa Contract
Robbie Keane signed a one-and-a-half-year contract with Aston Villa in July 2012. The deal was reportedly worth £4 million, with an option to extend for a further year. Keane scored 12 goals in 38 appearances for Villa, helping the club avoid relegation from the Premier League. However, he left the club by mutual consent in January 2014 after falling out of favor with the manager, Paul Lambert.
Robbie Keane Announces Retirement from Aston Villa
Former Republic of Ireland and Tottenham Hotspur star, Robbie Keane, has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 36. He spent the past season with Aston Villa, making 15 appearances and scoring 3 goals.
Keane began his career with Home Farm before moving to Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1996. He went on to play for Coventry City, Inter Milan, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Celtic, West Ham United, and Los Angeles Galaxy.
Keane represented the Republic of Ireland 146 times and is their record goalscorer with 68 goals. He also won 12 major trophies during his club career.