One of the most bizarre goals in Premier League history
Arsenal scored a bizarre opening goal in their Premier League clash against Manchester United on Thursday night.
The Gunners arrived at Old Trafford on the back of a 2-0 win against Newcastle last weekend, whereas United were playing their first match since Ralf Rangnick had received his work permit to take over as interim boss until the end of the season – although the German was only watching from the stands.
After a cagey opening 10 minutes, the game had its first goal in the 13th minute through Emile Smith Rowe, but the circumstances around it were truly bizarre.
Mikel Arteta’s side had a corner that was headed away by a United man, however, goalkeeper de Gea went down injured in the process after team-mate Fred accidentally stood on his ankle.
The Red Devils’ clearance found its way to the feet of Smith Rowe, who smashed the ball into the back of the net, however, de Gea remained on the floor with his back to play.
As the ball hit the net, referee Martin Atkinson blew his whistle and stopped the game – yet it was not clear what he had actually blown for.
CONTROVERSY AT OLD TRAFFORD!
Emile Smith Rowe scores with David De Gea on the floor injured… AND THE GOAL STANDS!#PLonPrime #MUNARS pic.twitter.com/dEumm7SzhA
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) December 2, 2021
While he – and everyone else – waited for the Spaniard to get back to his feet, there was still some confusion as to whether or not the goal would be given.
However, when the shot-stopper eventually got back to his feet, Atkinson awarded the goal.
Due to the fact that de Gea had been ‘fouled’ by his own team-mate, there was no option but to give the goal.
Some people took to social media to suggest that Arsenal should’ve given their opponents a goal in the spirit of the game, but considering they weren’t aware what was actually occurring, they chose not to.
The game, which is live on Amazon Prime, is currently poised at 1-1 after Bruno Fernandes’ tidy finish got United back into the game following that bizarre Smith Rowe strike.
Related links:
- Patrice Evra can’t understand why Cristiano Ronaldo receives criticism
- Thierry Henry says Arsenal get ‘smashed’ whenever they play a ‘big team’
- Patrice Evra admits he ‘isn’t excited’ by Ralf Rangnick appointment
