Emile Smith Rowe goal causes controversy with Manchester United keeper David de Gea injured on floor
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Updated 02/12/2021 at 22:48 GMT
David de Gea had no chance to save Emile Smith Rowe's effort at the start of Manchester United's home game against Arsenal in the Premier League. The Spaniard had been caught by his teammate Fred at a corner, and Smith Rowe was able to strike into an empty net, with referee Martin Atkinson unable to resolve the controversy.
Emile Smith Rowe scores for Arsenal
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal took a controversial lead in their game against Manchester United when Emile Smith Rowe scored with David de Gea lying injured on the floor.
With the match goalless in the 13th minute, Arsenal won a corner on the right wing and when the ball was sent in, it was cleared without trouble, but unseen by referee Martin Atkinson, Fred caught De Gea on the goalline and the Spanish international collapsed in pain.
Smith Rowe reacted smartly and angled in a shot from outside the box that went straight into an undefended net.
Atkinson initially appeared to wave away concerns that he would award a goal, but had time to make a decision while De Gea received treatment to his injury, and he was fine to continue.
At that point, the referee awarded the goal, despite United and in particular Fred’s protests - but there was no obvious reason to disallow the effort with the ball still in play when it crossed the line.
United bounced back to win 3-2 as Cristiano Ronaldo struck twice, with Fred turning from villain to hero with a starring role for the hosts.
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