Dzeko’s FAC First

On 30 January 2011 Manchester City travelled to Notts County in the FA Cup. Roberto Mancini’s Blues went behind (59^thminute) but new signing Edin Dzeko lifted spirits with his first goal in the competition. With only ten minutes left Micah Richards pushed forward on the right then crossed wonderfully for Dzeko, who volleyed into the roof of the net from close range.

Further opportunities followed but the game ended 1-1. There had been intense media focus on the tie – billed as England’s oldest club against the world’s wealthiest (neither description accurate) by some media outlets – this had been put forward as a day when a football shock could occur, especially as the playing surface was poor following rugby games played on it. Ultimately, Dzeko’s goal avoided any embarrassment and allowed the game to go to a replay in what was to become a trophy winning season.