It was business as usual for Romelu Lukaku on Wednesday night as the Manchester United forward was back in the goals.
After a thoroughly miserable Manchester derby, during which he was culpable in both of Manchester City’s goals while missing presentable chances to get his team back in the game at the other end.
On Wednesday night, though, Lukaku’s aim was true once again, scoring with a header after being picked out by Juan Mata with an excellent cross.
Interestingly, Lukaku’s celebration was very muted. The striker simply hung his head after watching the ball go into the net. He knows that everyone will be watching highlights of this match, so it’s entirely possible that there was an underlying ill-feeling in his muted reaction.
Traditionally, strikers celebrate their goals, especially if you’re scoring at Old Trafford. Gary Lineker was certainly one of the onlookers who picked up on it. Others simply decided to focus on the fact that he had scored against one of the ‘smaller teams’ again. A goal’s a goal, whoever it’s against.
Lukaku scores and doesn’t celebrate. Trying to make point? 🙄
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) December 13, 2017
What? Lukaku back to scoring against bottom 10 teams? Noooooo way pic.twitter.com/ktkQY5pD3t
— Will Gould (@SoccerWillG) December 13, 2017
Romelu Lukaku didn't celebrate his goal. Some are suggesting he might feel like he deserves more credit from the United supporters after setting up Man City's two goals at the weekend and missing a sitter…
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) December 13, 2017
30 – Since the start of 2016-17, Romelu Lukaku has scored 30 goals in 38 Premier League appearances versus "non-big-six" sides. Bully. pic.twitter.com/lGNuCJykVx
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 13, 2017