PAPISS Cisse's sensational second goal in Wednesday's 2-0 win at Chelsea has been hailed in various quarters as the Goal of the Season. Scott Wilson assesses the quality of the strike and its four main contenders for the crown

Robin van Persie (Arsenal vs Everton, December 10, 2011)

Arsenal's recently-crowned Player of the Year saved his best moment of the season for his club's 125th birthday.

With the anniversary game against Everton heading for a goalless draw, van Persie measured up Alex Song's deft cross-field pass and dispatched a crisp first-time volley across Tim Howard and into the net.

Goal rating: ***

Peter Crouch (Stoke vs Manchester City, March 24, 2012)

There appeared to be little on when Jermaine Pennant headed the ball back into Crouch's path after the striker had touched on Asmir Begovic's long clearance.

But displaying a touch and vision few knew he possessed, the England forward flicked the ball up before unleashing a vicious volley that arced over a helpless Joe Hart.

Goal rating: ****

Hatem Ben Arfa (Newcastle vs Bolton, April 9, 2012)

Newcastle's home game with Bolton was drifting towards a goalless draw until Ben Arfa took possession of the ball from Yohan Cabaye deep inside his own half.

He turned adroitly, shook off the challenge of Mark Davies, skipped between back-tracking defenders David Wheater and Tim Ream, and slotted a nonchalant finish past goalkeeper Adam Bogdan.

Goal rating: ****

Luis Suarez (Liverpool vs Norwich, April 28, 2012)

He'd already scored two goals in the game, but Suarez's strike to complete his hat-trick in last weekend's win at Norwich was something special.

Receiving Glen Johnson's hacked clearance, the Uruguayan crossed the halfway line, spotted John Ruddy off his line, and scored with an outrageous 45-yard chip that sailed into an unguarded net.

Goal rating: ***

Papiss Cisse (Newcastle vs Chelsea, May 2, 2012)

Cisse had already scored a superb first goal when Shola Ameobi flicked Ryan Taylor's throw-in into his path close to the left touchline.

It looked impossible to beat Petr Cech from such an uninviting angle, but the Senegalese showman cracked a remarkable first-time effort with the outside of his right boot that swerved wickedly from left to right to beat the Chelsea keeper.

Goal rating: *****

Verdict: Crouch's goal showcased fantastic technique, while Ben Arfa's solo effort was a strike of stunning vision. However, Cisse's bending volley seemed to defy the laws of physics. For that reason alone, it deserves to be Goal of the Season.