Jamie Carragher has said on Twitter that Arsenal attacking midfielder Emile Smith Rowe’s goal against Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea at Old Trafford was rightly allowed.
The former Liverpool defender has said that Smith Rowe’s strike was surely a ‘goal’ despite Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea staying down injured.
Emile Smith Rowe goal v David de Gea
Following a corner in the 13th minute, United midfielder Fred appeared to injure his own goalkeeper De Gea.
The Spain international goalkeeper stayed down, as Smith Rowe fired in from 20 yards.
The ball went it, and the goal was eventually given.
It was a strange goal.
De Gea did appear injured, but it was caused by one of his own players.
Now, could Arsenal have stopped play?
Yes.
But, did Arsenal have to stop play?
No.
Remember, it was not a head injury.
Moreover, you could even argue that Smith Rowe did not have time to see that De Gea was down on the ground injured.
In our view, referee Martin Atkinson was right to allow the goal from Smith Rowe.
Of course, Manchester United fans will see it differently, while Arsenal supporters will be pleased that the referee did not rule out the goal.
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