History

GGG26: Kanu v Middlesbrough, 1999

It's time to reveal the Gunners' Greatest 50 Goals - as voted for by Arsenal's fans.

Kanu gets his first mention in our countdown with a goal that encapsulates all that was great about the Nigerian striker.

Even though it was an 'unimportant' fifth goal in a 6-1 Arsenal victory, the sheer genius of the finish secures its place at No 26.



Arsenal travelled to Middlesbrough on April 24, 1999 off the back of a consummate 5-1 victory over Wimbledon the week before. And with Arsène Wenger’s side tussling for top spot with Manchester United, the Gunners had no intention of taking their foot off the gas on Teesside.



Marc Overmars started the rout from the spot in the fourth minute before Nicolas Anelka, Kanu and Patrick Vieira put Arsenal well out of sight.

Then, on the hour-mark, Kanu illuminated the afternoon with a ridiculous flash of brilliance.



The lanky frontman had a hand in the build-up too, pirouetting away from danger halfway inside the Boro half to feed Overmars on the right. After a neat interchange with Ray Parlour, the Dutchman whipped a low cross towards Kanu in the centre.



In truth, the cross wasn’t great but it mattered little to the Nigerian. Despite the close attentions of a Boro defender, Kanu let the ball run between his legs and sent a cute backheel across Mark Schwarzer into the bottom corner.
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