Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea was culpable for Arsenal’s opening goal as he allowed Emile Smith Rowe to score into an open net early in the Premier League clash
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In pictures: Man Utd v Arsenal
Alan Shearer tore into David de Gea after the Manchester United goalkeeper handed Arsenal a gilt-edged opportunity to take the lead in Thursday night’s Premier League clash.
De Gea, 31, crumpled to the floor while the Red Devils defended a corner in the early stages of the match.
As the goalkeeper writhed in pain, the ball fell to Emile Smith Rowe on the edge of the area and the Gunners playmaker found the back of the net with the simplest of volleys into an unguarded net.
The goal was not initially given, but referee Martin Atkinson was instructed to award it by VAR after a lengthy check.
Replays showed De Gea had not been fouled by any Arsenal player, but was actually trodden on by teammate Fred of all people.
Was David de Gea at fault for Emile Smith Rowe’s opening goal? Have your say in the comments…
The Spaniard required treatment from United’s physio as VAR conducted the check but Shearer had little sympathy, insisting he should have risen to his feet and made a routine save to deny Smith Rowe.
Asked for his verdict on the controversial incident, the former England striker told Amazon Prime Video Sport : “Goal, because I didn’t see or hear the referee blow.
“I didn’t see a serious foul on the goalkeeper, and it’s only when you see it close that De Gea actually stands on him.
“I don’t think I’m being too harsh here, I don’t think the game has changed that much, I think that happens in every game, someone standing on your foot or your ankle.
“With him going down like that, not a care to where the ball is. Yes, they hurt, but I’m not sure he should be staying down like that. He’s up a minute later and on his feet anyway, so it couldn’t have hurt that much.”
Fortunately for De Gea, his mistake did not come at the cost of three points thanks to a remarkable United comeback.
What ratings do David de Gea and his teammates deserve? Give your verdict below!
Bruno Fernandes pulled the Red Devils level just before half-time and Cristiano Ronaldo put them in front with a poacher’s finish from Marcus Rashford’s cut-back shortly after the interval.
Arsenal ace Martin Odegaard made it 2-2 with a fine finish of his own from Gabriel Martinelli’s cross just two minutes later.
However, the Norwegian went from hero to zero as his clumsy tackle felled Fred in the area and Atkinson’s pitchside check awarded United a penalty, which Ronaldo duly hammered down the centre of the goal.
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