Mwepu: I was worried I wouldn't win!

Enock Mwepu was so impressed by the quality of the other strikes on the shortlist for Albion Men’s Goal of the Season that he was worried that his effort in the 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield last October might not win – perhaps even be beaten by his goal away to Arsenal.  

“The guys were scoring incredible goals all season but thanks to everyone who voted,” he said. “It is a goal that will always be special to me, still the highlight of the season. I have played it back again and again. Obviously the Arsenal goal was great but I was a Liverpool supporter so that was extra special.”  

It was in the 41st minute that Mwepu curled a first-time shot over Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker from 25 yards to bring Albion back into the game after they had trailed 2-0.

“Many people thought I didn’t mean it but I definitely meant it,” he said. “I’m ‘The Computer’ so the computer always processes things like that! I saw that Alisson was just a little bit off his line. At that moment I was just trying to find myself in the right position and in my mind I knew that when the ball came I was going to strike it. 

“It boosted us and helped us to get a draw. It’s always difficult to play at Anfield but it gave us the confidence to get back in the game.”

The Zambian’s first season in England has been interrupted by injury and he said, “It has been great and not too great at the same time. It has been hard but I think I have been positive enough to come through.

“It has been up and down but I had some great moments when I could help the team. I’m grateful for that and to the players, the coaching staff and the physios who helped me when I was doing my rehab.  

“The fans have supported us. Even when we were not doing well they were giving us energy all the time so they deserve all the credit for this season and I hope they see more incredible goals next season and maybe another special goal for me.”