Goal of the Month focus: Martial v Man City

Some people prefer long-range strikes, others like well-worked team moves and some believe a goal’s quality can be measured in its significance.

If it’s the latter which makes a goal stand out, Anthony Martial’s powerful effort against Manchester City is a shoo-in for March’s Goal-of-the-Month accolade.

Not that the Frenchman’s strike was devoid of quality - far from it, in fact, and anyone who has ever tried to volley a football knows how difficult it can be to catch it right in the sweet spot.

Yet, with just over 73,000 watching inside the Theatre of Dreams, and millions more tuning in around the world, Anthony spotted a gap at Ederson’s near post and had the composure to send his effort exactly where he wanted it to go.

Of course, it wasn’t just the shot that made this goal memorable, but also Bruno Fernandes’s genius chip. No one saw it coming, including 11 City players, and it was laid perfectly into Tony’s path. Forget the goal, I could watch that assist alone all day!

But as already mentioned, what made this goal so great was how significant it proved to be, both during the match, and, potentially, for the whole season. Whatever happens in the coming months, that strike will still be viewed as one of the most important.

Not only was it the opener in a Manchester derby, but the goal managed to disrupt the visitors' flow. United had started well in the game but, after 10 minutes, it was City who controlled most of the ball and were dictating proceedings.

Around the 25-minute mark, things started to change as the Reds grew into the contest and forced Pep Guardiola’s men onto the back foot. It may be a cliche, but it’s vital to score when you’re on top. City didn’t, United did; and the hosts went on to grab all three points.

Yes, Scott McTominay did add his own screamer in the dying embers of this clash, but the game’s narrative was formed from that Martial goal. It gave the Reds a lead to hold on to and meant City had to try to find a way past our well-organised defence.

The derby win meant Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men extended our unbeaten run to 10 games in all competitions, but it also moved the Reds to within three points of fourth-placed Chelsea.

Highly important, an excellent assist, a bullet of a finish and taking the lead against our local rivals - this goal really did have the lot, but was it March’s best? That's for you to decide...

Vote for your Goal of the Month in the Official App now. The winner will be announced on Saturday.