Perhaps a save does not quite draw the same natural outpouring of emotion but they can of course, be as crucial in determining the result of a game.
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Today’s #City30 topic, presented by Nexen, asked you - the fans - to nominate your all-time favourite City save.
There were plenty of super stops suggested, including Joe Corrigan’s outrageous leap against Leeds, Joe Hart’s rapid run and remarkable reflexes to deny Wayne Rooney from range in the Manchester Derby and his wonderful work at White Hart Lane.
But it was another of Hart’s fine fingertip saves, which earned recognition in today’s feature: his fantastic stop to thwart Dimitri Payet’s fizzing free-kick in January 2016...
@ManCity Joe hart save vs West Ham from dimitri payet’s free kick January 2016 #City30
— Connor (@Connor00192814) April 24, 2020
It was a sensational stop.
The game itself proved an entertaining affair, which saw City twice come from behind to salvage a point... but the game is perhaps best remembered for Hart’s heroics.
With Sergio Aguero having cancelled out Enner Valencia’s quickfire opener in an eventful start, the sides were locked at 1-1 when West Ham were awarded a free-kick 25 yards out.
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Payet stepped up to bend a powerful effort towards the top right corner - an effort struck so well, he started to wheel away in celebration.
But somehow, Hart flew across goal, stretching every sinew to palm the strike over the bar.
It was an incredible showcase of agility, strength and power, which sparked deserved applause and acclaim from the travelling City fans.
In fact, it also earned equal admiration from the Hammers’ players, as Hart explained at the time, when declaring the stop to be the best of his City career.
“That save did feel good from Dimitri Payet,” he said. “I had to move my feet quickly.
“I kind of clattered up off the floor and I wasn’t sure where the ball was. It was a: ‘Did that just happen?’ moment.
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“I love the game but I’ve obviously got some sort of ability in there as well. Sometimes, it’s nice to surprise yourself.
“Payet was great afterwards and so were all their players.
“It’s nice because it’s genuine.”
Saturday’s #City30 topic: the best moment off-the-pitch.
Whose off-field antics tickled you? Whose actions warmed your heart? Who said something that stuck in your memory? Which weird or wonderful moments spring to mind?
Share your nominations on Twitter @ManCity using the hashtag #City30!
