The Manchester City star scored his first goal since returning to the Premiership – and what a fantastic way to do it.

He showed perfect balance to turn past Jlloyd Samuel, then pushed the ball past Mark Delaney before changing direction and finishing low past Thomas Sorensen.

The early goal inspired City to win 2-1 at Aston Villa and means victory at home to Middlesbrough on Sunday will almost certainly put City into the UEFA Cup.

Wright-Phillips also set up Jon Macken with another fantastic dribble and twice went close with shots. He did everything – even winning a header to start the move which led to Kiki Musampa scoring the visitors second goal.

Lion of the Weekend judge Russell Osman said: "People have rightly praised Stuart Pearce since he took over as caretaker manager but it’s no coincidence that City’s good run has happened with Shaun back in the team.

"Any side would miss him and the time he missed in February and March was hard for City.

"Villa couldn’t cope with him on Saturday. He has such perfect balance, defenders are scared to dive in when he’s running at speed."

Lion of the Season - Total nominations so far

Wayne Rooney 4 (15 Nov, 31 Jan, 28 Mar, 25 Apr)
Shaun Wright-Phillips 4 (25 Oct, 16 Aug, 22 Nov, 09 May)

Stewart Downing 3 (08 Nov, 18 Oct, 04 Oct)
Michael Owen 3 (01 Nov, 30 Aug, 04 Apr)
Frank Lampard 2 (06 Dec, 17 Jan, 02 May)

John Terry 2 (29 Nov, 13 Dec)
Alan Smith 2 (23 Aug, 04 Jan)
David James 2 (13 Sept, 07 Feb)
Jermain Defoe 2 (20 Dec, 14 Feb)
Rio Ferdinand 2 (11 Oct, 21 Feb)
Dean Ashton 2 (24 Jan, 18 Apr)

Ashley Cole 1 (27 Sept)
Ledley King 1 (20 Sept)
Steven Gerrard 1 (06 Sept)
Darren Carter 1 (10 Jan)
Andy Johnson 1 (28 Feb)
Joe Cole 1 (06 Feb)
Kieron Dyer 1 (14 Mar)
Jamie Carragher 1 (21 Mar)
David Beckham 1 (11 Apr)

* Every Monday TheFA.com announces the outstanding England player from the weekend’s matches, selected with the help of a former England international.

Lion of the Weekend is chosen by five former England internationals: Alan Mullery, Russell Osman, Mick Mills, Malcolm Macdonald and Paul Parker.

The player with the most votes at the end of the season will be crowned "Lion of the Season".