Fabian Schar opened the scoring for Newcastle with a fabulous goal in an eventual 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
The Magpies got their Premier League season off to the perfect start with a dominant performance and the result to match, with Schar and Callum Wilson on the scoresheet to break down a stubborn Forest side.
Eddie Howe's side never let up in what was an impressive display in front of a fantastic home crowd, setting the tone for what is set to be an exciting season as a new era truly gets underway at Newcastle.
It took some doing to break through Forest, who were unable to put Newcastle under any sustained pressure on their Premier League return, but did dig in deep to keep out the hosts for as long as they possibly could.
But the visitors finally caved under the pressure after 58 minutes, even if it did take a moment of magic from Schar, who gave Newcastle the lead in genuinely sublime fashion.
Schar's wonder goal vs Nottingham Forest
Picking up the ball well outside the box following a corner, the Swiss defender was left unchallenged and dribbled back towards the 18-yard area, before unleashing a venomous strike that sailed straight into the top corner, leaving Dean Henderson with absolutely no chance.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - AUGUST 06: Fabian Schar of Newcastle United celebrates scoring their side's first goal with teammate Javi Manquillo during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest at St. James Park on August 06, 2022 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Schar's finish was absolutely monstrous and one that a defender could only dream of scoring. While most are happy with a goal on the off chance they've been allowed to venture forward for a corner and head one in, Newcastle's 30-year-old has proven he's got much more than just that in his locker.
Many would call Schar's strike sensational, but also a complete fluke. However, footage has emerged in the time since that fully disproves this idea.
A comparison video has put Schar's strike against Forest side by side with a goal he bagged against Burnley in February 2019. The two goals are freakishly identical, and both equally as magnificent as one another. Check out the video below.
WATCH: Schar's two eerily similar screamers
Seriously, how spooky is that?
Not only is it wildly impressive considering Schar is a central defender, it's insane to see how the two goals are essentially identical. Shot with the same foot, from the same angle, towards the same goal and the same stand, and flying into the same, top right-hand corner.
He even wheels off into the same celebration after each goal. Properly bizarre stuff.
Fabian Ruiz MESS! (Football Terrace)
Of course, this could just be one big coincidence. But after seeing the two strikes side by side, it would be fair to assume that Schar puts a lot of practice into breaking forward and shooting from that specific area of the pitch.
Clearly, he fancies himself as more than just a defender. And when you can prove that a goal as good as that is quite obviously more than a fluke of an effort, you have to take your hat off and give him the respect he deserves for it. The Swiss defender obviously has taken a liking to that particular zone on the field.
His strike against Burnley earned him the Premier League's Goal of the Month award back in 2019. And with his opening weekend effort being so scarily similar, it's sure to be a contender yet again, if not a concrete winner already.