History

GGG33: Robert Pires v Aston Villa, 2002

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

Robert Pires was untouchable in 2001/02 and this goal sums up why.

The French midfielder was named Footballer of the Year for his contribution to Arsenal's most recent Double, even though his season was curtailed by a serious knee injury in March. But six days before his cruciate ligament snapped against Newcastle, Pires produced a strike which has been voted in at No 33 in our list.

It came at Aston Villa during a crucial stage of the title race. And, as so often that season, a moment of Pires magic gave Arsenal the edge.

The Gunners led through Edu's early strike when Freddie Ljungberg picked up possession on the hour mark. The Swede looked up and launched a diagonal pass from inside his own half into the path of Pires' run.

The Frenchman was in a race with George Boateng but beat him to the ball and flicked it deftly over his marker's head to leave him flailing. There was still plenty to do with Peter Schmeichel rushing out to narrow the angle but Pires waited for the ball to drop and nonchalantly lifted it over the Villa keeper and into the net.