Happy Birthday Gianfranco Zola! The Chelsea FC legend turns 49 years old today, and what better excuse do we need to take a trip down memory lane and relive some of his best goals?
A wizard-like attacking midfielder, the Italian only scored 80 goals in his time at Stamford Bridge. However, he created many more and those that did hit the net where often ones to remember.
So let’s stop delaying and get to it! Here are Zola’s Top 10 goals for Chelsea…
Next: No. 10 - Oxford United
10. Oxford United, February 3rd 1999, Home
A goal of pure class. After a quick exchange out on the right flank, Zola sprints onto the return pass to beautifully lob the keeper from the edge of the box into the far corner.
Chelsea would win this FA Cup replay 4-2.
And yes, it does get better from here.
Next: No. 9 - Southampton
9. Southampton, March 19th 1997, Home
Zola displays his long-range threat in this Premier League tie. A goal-kick is headed towards him, at which point he takes one touch and smashes it with his right foot into the back of the net on the half-volley. Terrific.
This would be the winning goal in a game that would end 1-0 to the Blues.
Next: No. 8 - Shrewsbury Town
8. Shrewsbury Town, January 26th 2003, Away
The magician shows his audacity with his effort. Quick counter-attacking play finds Zola with only one man to beat. Instead of taking him on, he pulls up and attempts to lob the goalkeeper from outside the box, Eric Cantona-esque. The ‘keeper may have got a hand to it, but there’s no stopping this brilliance.
The Blues would win this FA Cup tie 4-0.
Next: No.7 - Newcastle United
7. Newcastle United, January 31st 2001, Home
Zola starts off with his back to goal, receiving a pass from Celestine Babayaro. A sharp touch to his left takes him towards the centre, a couple of fakes and then he unleashes his right foot, curling the ball into the far corner. Splits the defenders beautifully.
This would be one of three Chelsea goals in a 3-1 league win.
Now we’re into the business end, it’s the top 5…
Next: No. 6 - Feyenoord
6. Feyenoord, March 14th 2000, Away
Another superb strike. The Italian capitalises on a bit of luck as a ball is headed towards him just outside the box. A great touch on the volley sets up the half-volley which he blasts across his body onto the post and in.
A European clash, the Blues would win the game 3-1.
Next: No. 5 - Everton
5. Everton, April 21st 2003, Home
A really well taken goal, which illustrated the finesse Zola possessed. A route-one ball leaves the forward pushed quite wide. As if it matters to him, he spots the ‘keeper of his line and successfully pokes the ball over his head. An insane angle and an insane finish.
This would end up being Zola’s last goal in a Chelsea shirt, as the Blues would win 4-1. What a way to go out.
Next: No.4 - Blackburn Rovers
4. Blackburn Rovers, September 11th 2002, Away
Boudewijn Zenden carries the ball, before spreading it to Zola on the left flank. A few shimmies to create half a yard allows him to curl the ball beautifully into the far top corner. There’s no way that the ‘keeper could have reached that.
This would be the 80th minute winner in a 3-2 league victory at Ewood Park.
Next: No.3 - Tottenham Hotspur
3. Tottenham Hotspur, February 1st 2003, Home
“Yeah he looked alright, but can he take free-kicks?” I hear you ask. Of course he can. Zola steps up to take control of the dead ball situation about 25 yards out. With an angle which cries out for a bending cross, he ignores everyone and curls it into the top right corner with a tremendous amount of dip.
An equaliser in a 1-1 league draw that was more worthy of being a European Cup winner.
Next: No.2 - Wimbledon FC
2. Wimbledon FC, April 13th 1997, Home
This goal oozes class and shows why some people have called him the Lionel Messi of his generation. Zola creates something out of nothing by pulling out a Cruyff turn to send his marker packing and opening himself up for an extremely cool finish into the bottom right corner.
A key goal in a 3-0 FA Cup semi-final win. The Blues would go on to beat Middlesbrough 2-0 in the final to win their first FA Cup since 1970.
Next: No. 1 - Norwich City
1. Norwich City, January 16th 2002, Home
In truth, there was no other contender for the number 1 spot. This goal sums up all that Zola was about, arrogance tainted with incredible class. The corner is put in by Graeme Le Saux, which Zola attacks at the near post. Realising that the ball doesn’t quite have enough legs on it, the magician improvises and produce the most ridiculous backheel flick that rockets into the net.
Words don’t do it justice, just watch it again and again.
This would be one of four the Blues score in a 4-0 FA Cup win.
There we have it. Your Top 10 Gianfranco Zola Chelsea goals as chosen by yours truly. Any complaints? Did I leave out any particular goal? Is my order completely wrong? Get involved and sound off in the comments below!
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Next: Chelsea FC Transfer Rumour Round-Up, July 5th 2015