If it was accidental, it was a very fortunate accident.
Arsenal were looking decidedly shaky before they took the lead against Hull City on Saturday lunchtime – and the manner of their opener had many a rival supporter shaking with rage. That’s because the last touch to get it over the line came courtesy of Alexis Sanchez’ glove.
A mittened hand prodded the ball into the net on the 34th minute point, as Sanchez pounced after a Kieran Gibbs shot wasn’t properly cleared. The Chilean ace tried to knock it in via legal means, but the ball bounced up onto his hand and then nestled in the back of the onion bag.
There were plenty of laughs to be had…
Arsenal lead. Sanchez palms it in. First Premier League goal scored with the mitten @OptaJoe ?
— Adam Crafton (@AdamCrafton_) February 11, 2017
Hand of god #slamdunk
— Kevin Garside (@GARSIDEK) February 11, 2017
If nothing else this season, Arsenal have proved they are lethal with their hands from a distance of one yard.
— Tom Williams (@tomwfootball) February 11, 2017
But rival fans didn’t see the funny side. They saw it as a case of same old Arsenal…
So sh**house Arsenal can punch it in the net now?
— Bunny (@DUCKmagstoke) February 11, 2017
Blatent handball! Cheating bastards #ARSHUL
— Tarmeet… #FreeJaggiNow (@Tarmeet007) February 11, 2017
https://twitter.com/MUFColdskool/status/830403414366511104
Ridiculous fortune. The lino is looking straight at it, without any obstruction of view.
— Alex Shaw (@AlexShawTel) February 11, 2017
https://twitter.com/Luke16Evans/status/830402382924242945
https://twitter.com/Paul_Nadirehs/status/830402710386130944
What an absolute joke, clearly a handball! Again, playing so well 😫 #hcafc
— Charl✨ (@charl_berry27) February 11, 2017
Deliberate or not, still fucking handball to score the goal. Same old Arsenal always cheating #ArsHul #hcafc
— Carl (@Carlwilks2011) February 11, 2017
Another comically bad officiating mistake.
— Rich C (@RichRedVoices) February 11, 2017
https://twitter.com/olulfc/status/830402287973568514
But one Arsenal fan had the perfect response…
Can't be handball if you're wearing gloves. pic.twitter.com/i59EuM0XGI
— Simão (@SimonWe1ss) February 11, 2017
