Rewind 13 years and you would find Manchester City in a very different place than they are in the modern day. Whilst the club at the time were no where near the heights they find themselves today, there was still a great amount of optimism around the blue half of Manchester.
A New Era
New owner, Thaskin Shinawatra had brought in a whole host of new faces to the playing squad, as well as appointing former England boss, Sven-Goran Eriksson as the club's new manager.
Despite the renewed optimism, it is fair to say they were still a long way behind arch-rivals and European footballing powerhouse, Manchester United. However, when the two Manchester clubs met three games into the 2007/08 season it gave all City fans a glimmer of hope that things may be beginning to change.
No Day Like Derby Day
With the sun shining, and the atmosphere electric, City and United walked out onto the City of Manchester Stadium pitch on the back of polar-opposite previous campaigns. The Blues endured another mid-table, mediocre season finishing an underwhelming 14th, compare that to the Reds, who headed into the new term as reigning champions of England.
Despite this, it was City who took the bragging rights in this one thanks to moment of Brazilian magic. With 30 minutes on the clock new signing, Geovanni collected the ball 25 yards from goal and hit a superb strike past a helpless, Edwin Van Der Sar to give his side a shock lead.
'Geo' - as he was known by the City supporters - pealed away with his trademark 'hand behind the ear' celebration towards a sea of adoring sky blue supporters, as the roof was well and truly taking off the City of Manchester Stadium.
As to be expected what followed was a barrage from the Premier League title holders, however an inspiring defensive display from the hosts proved too tight for Sir Alex Ferguson's side, securing City a memorable derby win.
A City Legend is Born
The Brazilian's career in a sky blue shirt was not a long one, spanning just 20 appearances with three goals along the way. However, one of those three was worth a lot more than just one goal to the City faithful.
Thanks to that magical, derby day strike it is more than fair to say that 'Geo' will always go down in City folklore.