Whatever happens on between City and Aston Villa on Saturday, we’re unlikely to see a goal similar to the one scored by our captain at the same ground almost 20 years ago.
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In late November 2006, a very different period for both clubs, central defender Sylvain Distin scored a goal in our 3-1 win at Villa Park that was hard to believe.
Distin was known for his extreme pace and a length of stride that meant he ate up ground without too much stress on his body.
The Frenchman was the model of consistency at the back alongside Richard Dunne, with the pair a major reason behind City’s continued top-flight status during the middle of the noughties.
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For all of his numerous strengths that made City very lucky to have Distin in our side, he was never a consistent goalscorer.
This game landed midway through his fifth and final season with the Blues and he’d only managed four strikes in his first 177 outings as a City player.
That’s why when the imposing No.15 tackled Villa midfielder Gavin McCann on the edge of our own box, no one would have expected what was to follow.
He played the ball out wide to striker Georgios Samaras and most would have assumed that was the end of his role.
Instead, Distin burst beyond the Villa midfield and demanded the one-two from Samaras.
Two touches took him from the halfway line and into the box past the powerless Liam Ridgewell before a fine left-footed finish around goalkeeper Stuart Taylor.
He got back to his feet with the huge roar of a man that was fired up and, somewhere deep down, had probably surprised himself.
It was perhaps the most crystal clear example of the way Distin had led this side through example and sheer determination.
City won 3-1 in one of our outstanding performances of a difficult campaign, eventually finishing 14th before a refresh under Sven-Goran Eriksson.
As previously mentioned, that was Distin’s last term with City as he moved on for Portsmouth before spells at Everton and Bournemouth and retirement in 2016.
He remains one of the best players never to be recognised with international honours by France.
City v Brighton: £20 for adults and £1 for U18s
Tickets are now on sale for our Carabao Cup fourth round meeting with Brighton.
We host Fabian Hurzeler’s side at 19:30 (UK) on Wednesday 28 October.
Tickets for adults start from just £20, with all U18s only £1 – and you can also buy up to six tickets per person.
Taking place during half term school holidays too, it’s the perfect time to experience a night under the Etihad lights for all the family!
And there will be so much to do beforehand, with a Kids Fanzone just over the road at the City Football Academy ahead of kick-off.
Meanwhile, hospitality is available from just £100 with a range of packages on offer to suit your needs, whether a special occasion for a loved one or for something professional.
Book your place at the Seagulls encounter below.
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