Memorable moments: Essien and his legendary bomb from distance

Michael Essien was a defensive midfielder whose job was to prevent attacks from the opposition. But he was also able to help in the offensive end when needed. Like in 2006 against Arsenal.

Chelsea made Stamford Bridge a fortress then. At home, they were on a 51-game unbeaten run, but that run was threatened against Arsenal.

In the 78th minute, Mathieu Flamini scored and Arsenal took the lead. At that point, things were not looking good for Chelsea.

But with six minutes to go, Frank Lampard got the ball in front of the whitewash. He had an opponent in front of him, so he knocked the ball underneath him thinking the Blues would turn the situation around.

But Michael Essien decided otherwise. He launched himself at the ball and fired it goalwards with all his strength. The ball hovered in the air for a moment and eventually hit the bar. A famous goal.

Thanks to Essien, the Blues defended their home invincibility and drew 1-1 with Arsenal. This result, however, was most pleasing to Manchester United, who had an eight-point lead over Chelsea after this December London derby. In the end, they retained the title.

The Ghanaian midfielder was no great goalscorer. He scored 25 goals in 256 games for Chelsea, but this was definitely the best. And Chelsea also named him the goal of the 2006/07 season.

Essien won 2 Premier League titles at Stamford Bridge, dominated the FA Cup four times and also the Champions League.

Source: Chelsea, Premier League