In a thrilling display of talent, Marcus Tavernier's stunning volley against Tottenham Hotspur has earned a nomination for the Premier League Goal of the Month for March. The goal, scored in the 42nd minute at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, showcased not only Tavernier's finishing skills but also the incredible setup from teammate Milos Kerkez.
Kerkez, the left back, intercepted a pass from Pedro Porro deep in Bournemouth's half and made a powerful surge into Spurs territory. With precision and poise, he delivered an inch-perfect cross from midway inside the Spurs half, allowing Tavernier to finish expertly at the far post. This goal has not only put Tavernier in the spotlight but also highlighted the growing synergy within the Bournemouth squad.
As the competition heats up, Tavernier's goal is in contention against some impressive strikes from other Premier League stars, including Chelsea's Marc Cucurella, Arsenal's Declan Rice, Brighton's Pervis Estupinan, Nottingham Forest's Anthony Elanga, Manchester City's Omar Marmoush, Ipswich's Jens Cajuste, and Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes. Fans eager to support their favorite players can cast their votes on the Premier League website.
Meanwhile, Cucurella has been making waves of his own at Chelsea, establishing himself as one of the standout performers this season. The 26-year-old left back has netted five goals in all competitions, a remarkable tally for a player in his position. His recent form has been highlighted by back-to-back goals against Leicester City and Southampton, demonstrating his ability to contribute significantly to the team's offensive play.
One of the unique aspects of Cucurella's goal celebrations is his now-iconic penguin gesture, which he first unveiled during Chelsea's 2-1 victory over Brentford last December. The celebration, he explains, is a heartfelt tribute to his wife, symbolizing the lifelong partnership that penguins share. Cucurella stated, "I do the penguin because I read on the internet that the penguin, he chooses his partner and they have one partner for the rest of his life. So one day I read this and I sent it to her, so then I say… we are joking always because I never score, no. So if I score, I do this, blah, blah, blah and then the problem is like I score a lot of times so now I do the celebration a lot of times. And now my kids, they’re watching me doing this and they do the penguin at home."
His playful nature has endeared him to Chelsea fans, who appreciate not only his on-field prowess but also his character off the pitch. However, Cucurella's journey has not been without challenges. He has faced criticism for his performances in the past, particularly during the 2022/23 season under former manager Graham Potter.
Despite these ups and downs, Cucurella remains focused on his current role at Chelsea, where he is enjoying his time in London. Recently, he addressed speculation regarding a potential move back to Barcelona, a club he has been linked with in the past. "The truth is that I don’t think about it now. I mean, I’m fine where I am and such, I’m enjoying the moment. I really think they’re happier than I am in London. To live I like it a lot and they are very comfortable and time is a little what kills, but I think that for an experience of a few years… Let’s see, never say never, right? I think I wouldn’t live there forever, but to stay a few more years, I’m very happy," he remarked, leaving fans hopeful about his commitment to the club.
As the Premier League season progresses, both Tavernier and Cucurella are making significant impacts for their respective teams. While Tavernier's nomination for Goal of the Month highlights his rising star status at Bournemouth, Cucurella's contributions on and off the pitch continue to solidify his place as a fan favorite at Chelsea. With the competition heating up, supporters are eager to see how both players will perform in the coming matches.
As the action unfolds, the Premier League remains a hotbed of excitement, with players like Tavernier and Cucurella leading the charge for their clubs. The league's unpredictability and the sheer talent on display ensure that every matchday brings new surprises and thrilling moments. Fans can look forward to more incredible performances as the season nears its climax, with both players aiming to leave their mark.
