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Manchester City: When the ball hits the net, it’s Elano

By Jason Bardwell

MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM - SEPTEMBER 29: Scorer of Manchester City's third goal, Elano, celebrates during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Newcastle United at the City of Manchester Stadium on September 29, 2007 in Manchester, England (Photo by Gary Prior/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM - SEPTEMBER 29: Scorer of Manchester City's third goal, Elano, celebrates during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Newcastle United at the City of Manchester Stadium on September 29, 2007 in Manchester, England (Photo by Gary Prior/Getty Images) /
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It’s been a decade since Manchester City were first introduced to the Brazilian attacking midfielder, Elano. He actually signed for us on 2nd August for a mere 8 million pounds by then chairman, Thaksin Shinawatra.

Bought to Manchester from Shakhtar, part of the reason I kept the article for this week, he was a breath of fresh air. Elano signed a four-year contract with us and set up the first goal of the season, away to West Ham. It would be another of our new signings, Rolandi Bianchi, who would convert with fellow Brazilian, Geovanni adding the second.

It was a decade, exactly, from the date of that free kick from Elano. Against Newcastle, at the City of Manchester Stadium as it was known then, it’s a goal I still remember well. It came seven days after the disappointing draw away to Fulham. Newcastle actually took the lead through Obafemi Martins midway through the first half.

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Martin Petrov pulled us level just before the half, and we went in 1-1. Emile Mpenza put us ahead shortly after the restart, but we never really took control. Three minutes from time City won a free kick a good 40 yards from goal. Up stepped Elano who telegraphed it perfectly to the top corner. Perfectly placed it beat Shay Given, to secure the win.

Pre Abu Dhabi takeover, it was one of our better seasons in the Premier League. Sven had overseen a bunch of new arrivals, along with Elano, Geovanni and Bianchi. Fernandes,  Petrov, Coruka, Garrido and Bojinov all joined in the summer. Adding Caicedo and Benjani in the winter window, we had an attacking outfit.

In the end, despite a great start, City would finish ninth. Five defeats in the final seven games, including a 8-1 defeat away to Middlesbrough showed the off field politics. Memories I personally have from that season was the double over United, including the 50th anniversary of the Munich air disaster.

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City and United played the Old Trafford fixture in throw back kits. It was a good day, both fans observing the minute’s silence impeccably. It had been a concern, from the media, going into the game that City fans would ruin the anniversary. In the end it was the City team who ruined it, winning 2-1 thanks to a Darius Vassell strike and a Benjani dreadlock!

Other than that, and the good start you had those goals from Elano. On the other side of it you had the balloon incident away to Sheffield United to put us out the FA Cup, just to let City fans know ‘Typical City’ was still alive and kicking.