Sky Sports have confirmed that Martin Tyler will leave ahead of the new Premier League season, with the legendary commentator moving on after 33 years with the broadcaster.
Tyler’s three decades on the microphone has seen no shortage of memorable moments and the veteran broadcaster’s commentary has often been the perfect soundtrack alongside them.
Following the news of his exit, we remember five of Martin Tyler’s most iconic Premier League commentary moments.
Five of Martin Tyler’s most iconic Sky Sports Premier League commentary moments
Collymore closing in
When asked the question of what is the greatest game of the Premier League era, thoughts invariably turn to Liverpool’s thrilling 4-3 win over Newcastle from the 1995/96 campaign.
Even for fans of a later generation, the memories of an electric Anfield game are vivid given its impact on one of the most memorable title races the division has seen. Newcastle travelled to Liverpool in April 1996 looking to keep their title dream alive, having held a significant lead at the top before a wobble in form.
Liverpool had an outside chance of Premier League success of their own and the result was a recipe that delivered an all-time classic. The two teams went head-to-head in an enthralling encounter that saw the momentum swing, with both teams full of fun and flair.
Newcastle had led 2-1 and 3-2 on Merseyside, but Stan Collymore’s brace snatched a dramatic win for Liverpool. Tyler’s unforgettable commentary as Collymore rifled in a last-minute winner remains one of his most iconic lines.
Kanu believe it!!!
Some well used pun-ditry is often appreciated from the watching fans at home, with perhaps none more memorable than Tyler’s commentary on Arsenal’s win at Chelsea in 1999.
The Gunners had trailed 2-0 at the home of their London rivals, but turned the game around through the mesmerising work of Kanu.
The Nigerian scored a stunning hat-trick to seal a 3-2 win for Arsenal at Stamford Bridge, with his third goal evoking some terrific commentary from Tyler.
“Well, it’s broken Kanu’s way and Ed de Goey is out of the centre” Tyler begins as the Arsenal forward chased down Albert Ferrer’s attempted clearance, before being closed down by Chelsea’s goalkeeper near the byline.
With little options in the centre, even Tyler looked unsure of where the forward was headed. That was until Kanu decided the game with a piece of magic.
“It’s Kanu, what’s he going to do? Oh! Can you believe it? He’s flattened Chelsea. He’s hit a hat-trick at Stamford Bridge!”
Wiltoooord!
Manchester United and Arsenal’s rivalry defined the Premier League across the turn of the millennium, as the two teams shared the title in eight consecutive seasons.
There was high quality and high drama whenever the two teams met, in a rivalry that produced some classic contests and unforgettable moments.
Arsenal were crowned Premier League champions for a second time in 2001/02, with the title secured at the home of their closest challengers.
Sylvain Wiltord scored the decisive goal at Old Trafford, with Tyler elongating the French forward’s name in signature fashion as he scored a season-defining winner.
It was not the last time that Tyler stretched the vocal chords to narrate a dramatic title-deciding goal…
Aguerooooooooooo
Arguably the defining moment of the Premier League era and certainly the commentary for which Tyler will forever be associated.
Commentators can plan for all eventualities, but nothing can truly prepare a broadcaster for drama quite like Manchester City’s 2011/12 title win. City were headed for disaster as the league leaders trailed Queens Park Rangers in stoppage time on the final day of the season, having known a win would guarantee a first top-flight title in 44 years.
Edin Dzeko’s equaliser set up a grandstand finish, before Sergio Aguero’s stunning strike snatched the title for Manchester City – at the expense of bitter rivals Manchester United – and saw the Etihad erupt.
“Aguerooooooooooo!” Tyler cried in his now legendary commentary, as the Argentine wheeled away in shirtless celebration.
“I swear you’ll never see anything like this ever again! So watch it – drink it in,” Tyler continued.
He was right. Aguero’s title-winning goal was an astonishing moment unlikely to ever be repeated.
Record-breaking Vardy
Leicester’s title win in 2015/16 remains a sporting tale difficult to comprehend, as one of the pre-season favourites for relegation upset huge odds to win the first top-flight title in their history.
No player epitomised the wave of momentum the Foxes rode more than Jamie Vardy, who embarked on a record-breaking run of goals for Claudio Ranieri’s side.
Vardy set a new Premier League record after scoring in 11 consecutive league fixtures, securing the record with a goal against Manchester United at the King Power Stadium.
Vardy moved past Ruud van Nistelrooy’s 10-game record with Tyler offering this classic commentary.
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