According to the BBC piece, the percentage of goals from outside the box has fallen from 22.3% in the 2006-07 season, to 12.4% last term.
But Duran’s unforgettable goal will live long in the memory and boost that particular statistic for this season, as he wheeled off to celebrate his net-busting effort before being mobbed by this team-mates.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez’s jaw hit the floor, Youri Tielemans looked on in disbelief and Pickford shook his head as he watched a replay of the goal on the big screen inside Villa Park.
The home faithful in attendance were equally astounded – with three points on the line, time seemed to stand still when the ball left Duran’s left boot before an explosion of euphoria when it rippled the back of the net.
“I have seen it from behind and I saw the ball moving – it was unstoppable,” said Argentina number one Martinez.
“It was a great strike. We have been trying to hold Duran in the Premier League and if he can keep the consistency he can be a really big threat.
“He can be one of the best strikers in the world, but he needs to keep his feet on the ground and to work hard.”
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said on Sky Sports: “Jordan Pickford didn’t even smell it. What a strike from that man, wow.
“We don’t see goals like that anymore. The bend on that was fantastic – the goalkeeper was at full stretch.”