Today Georgi Kinkladze celebrated his 42nd birthday and having seem him light up Maine Road on many on occasion, we take a look at three of the Georgian’s best goals.
Southampton (H)
The obvious one. This goal will be forever etched in the memory of City fans. A quite unbelievable goal. ‘Kinky’ picked up the ball just inside the Saints half and ran riot. The balance, movement, control was just breathtaking. He finished off with the most deft scoop to outwit Dave Beasant; who at the time was one of the country’s most accomplished keepers. Still today it is considered to be one of the greatest solo goals City fans have ever seen.
West Ham (H)
A sort of underrated one in the catalogue. The Georgian collected the ball on the right flank, with few options. He didn’t need any as he totally terrorised a series of defenders, evading their challenges and leaving them in his wake. Running at a rapid speed, he then had the composure to drift back inside and use to that wonderful left foot to great effect by slamming one in the corner. A prime example of how deadly Kinkladze could be when in the mood.
Middlesbrough (A)
Conventionally, Kinkladze popped up in a central area but there didn’t appear to be much one, but the vision and ideas he had were out of this world. In an instance he twisted and turned, leaving defenders for dead and continuing his extraordinary run. He made his way to the penalty area, taking a couple more touches to set himself, before coolly slotting home. A real collectors item that well and truly highlighted that he was indeed on another wavelength compared to the rest of the City side.
