I have seen talk recently on Twitter and various other places about the definition of a game winning goal. There seem to be two different definitions. I think we could do with some interaction here to try and decide which is the best method to go forward with.

After the jump we'll take a look at the options.

The Soccer Definition

A game winning goal in soccer is classed as the goal that put a team into the lead in the first place, to put the team ahead. For example, this will be the first goal scored by the winning team in a 3-1 victory. The first goal will still be classed as the game winner,even if the eventual losing side pull a goal back at 3-0 down to make it 3-1.

The first goal scored by the winning team is classed as the game winner in soccer definition.

The Ice Hockey Definition

A game winning goal in Ice Hockey is classed as the goal that ensured victory. So, if we use the example of a 3-1 victory once again, the game winning goal will be the 2nd goal scored by the eventual winning team.

The 2nd goal is the all important one in Ice Hockey definition as it the goal which got the team over the line. Due to the eventual losing side scoring the consolation goal we can no longer use the fist goal scored as the game winner, we must use the 2nd goal scored by the eventual winning team.

In Practice

City 3 - 1 Newcastle.

Balotelli 41 Gosling 89

Richards 44

Aguero 72

Now by the Soccer definition Mario Balotelli, scorer of the 1st goal is classed as the game winner as he first put City into the lead.

By the Ice Hockey definition Micah Richards' goal, albeit the 2nd goal scored by Man City, is classed as the game winner as his goal made sure of the win as Newcastle pulled a goal back.

Man City Game Winning Goals By Soccer Definition

Home

Aguero, Balotelli 5

Dzeko 2

Silva, Nasri, OG 1

Away

Dzeko 2

Silva, Balotelli, Lescott, Toure, Johnson 1

Man City Game Winning Goals By Ice Hockey Definition

Home

Aguero 5

Balotelli 3

Dzeko, Silva, OG, Nasri, Richards, Kolarov, Johnson 1

Away

Dzeko 3

Johnson, Balotelli, Toure, Lescott 1

Now as we can see there are slightly subtle differences between who gets credited with the game winners.

The real question is, which do you think is the more valuable definition. Is it the soccer method which is the first goal to establish a lead? Or th hockey method which classes the goal which made sure of the victory after the eventual losing side pulled a goal back?

All thoughts and comments are most welcome.