- Paul Merson enjoyed an illustrious career for the likes of Arsenal and Aston Villa
- His son Sam, 29, has played across non-league and is now with Hanworth Villa
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Sam Merson, son of Arsenal legend Paul, scored an incredible goal on Tuesday that has since gone viral on social media.
Paul enjoyed an illustrious career for the Gunners, scoring 99 times in 417 games, while he also represented the likes of Middlesbrough, Aston Villa and Portsmouth.
The former forward won 21 caps for England and netted 154 times across his time in the game.
However, none will have come close to the goal that Sam, 29, struck for eighth tier Hanworth Villa last night.
Sam, 29, has enjoyed a career exclusively in non-league which has seen him previously represent the likes of Biggleswade Town, Redditch and St Albans City.
Hanworth were taking on top of the table Farnham Town in the Isthmian League South Central Division.
Sam Merson, son of Arsenal legend Paul, scored a wonder goal for Hanworth Villa last night
Four minutes into their clash against Farnham Town, Merson controlled a long ball perfectly
As the ball popped up, Merson pirouetted and unleashed a stunning volley over the keeper
And, with just four minutes on the clock, Merson made an unbelievable start to the game.
As he took a perfect touch to control a long ball up field, Merson pirouetted as the ball popped up over his shoulder.
He then unleashed a stunning volley over the helpless Farnham keeper and into the back of the net.
The finish sparked wild celebrations among Hanworth’s players, with several of Merson’s team-mates simply left with their hands on their heads.
There were just 204 fans present at their Rectory Meadow ground, which is based in the London Borough of Hounslow.
However, Sam’s proud dad made sure to spread the goal to a wider audience as he shared a clip of the insane strike before adding: ‘What a goal last night. Unreal @sammerson1.’
Several fans were left in awe of the finish as they commented underneath the post.
One said: ‘Learnt it from the best, Merse!’ Another added: ‘What have I just seen…’
The strike flew beyond the Farnham keeper and led to wild celebrations from Hanworth’s stars
Paul Merson shared the goal and outlined his pride, while several others praised the strike
Merson pictured with Sam back in 1998 during his time playing for Middlesbrough
A further fan chimed in with: ‘Touch of the old man’s magic there Merse.’
Other astonished viewers got involved as one said: ‘Jokeeeeeeee,’ while an extra individual said: ‘You taught him well.’
Farnham Town even shared a photo of the goal and said: ‘Wasn’t to be for us last night but this goal from Sam Merson for is well worth watching on repeat…’
The strike was Merson’s 17th of the campaign, although it was not enough to secure a victory as the game ended 1-1.
The result saw Hanworth, who Merson Snr briefly played for in 2019, solidify their spot in seventh place, just one point off the play-offs.
