VAR has explained why Patrick Dorgu’s wonder strike wasn’t ruled out after it looked like there was a handball just before his strike, and Mikel Arteta had his say on the matter.
Manchester United found themselves under pressure from the outset as Arsenal took control, limiting the visitors to brief forays forward. The hosts’ dominance told just before the half-hour mark when Lisandro Martínez inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.
That setback jolted Michael Carrick’s side into life. Bryan Mbeumo almost responded immediately, only for a heavy first touch to spoil the chance. The forward made no mistake seven minutes later, capitalising on a loose back pass from Martin Zubimendi and calmly rounding David Raya to level the scores.
Buoyed by the equaliser, United emerged strongly after the break and completed the turnaround five minutes into the second half, Patrick Dorgu producing a stunning effort to put his side ahead.
Arsenal appeared to have rescued a point with a late, scrappy equaliser from a corner, but substitute Matheus Cunha had the final say. The Brazilian fired home a brilliant winner in the 87th minute, sealing a dramatic victory for United.
VAR clarifies why Dorgu’s goal wasn’t disallowed
Five minutes into the second half, Bruno Fernandes chipped the ball to Dorgu, who, while controlling the ball, looked to have potentially handled the ball before unleashing a great strike to put United ahead.
Speaking on Sky Sports, former Premier League referee Mike Dean relayed what he had been told by VAR as to why the goal wasn’t disallowed.
He said: “We’ve just heard from the VAR, Paul Tierney, and it’s a fair comment, it’s inconclusive, you can’t tell. That’s what VAR just said, it looks like it’s hit his hip. On field decision is correct, goal is given.”
When Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta, was asked about the situation, he said: “I haven’t looked at it, it is fine, it’s gon,e and we can do nothing about it.”
Man Utd have solid depth if Dorgu is sidelined
Dorgu carried over his excellent performance in the Manchester derby to the game against Arsenal, once again scoring a key goal as Michael Carrick maintained his perfect start as United’s interim head coach.
Dorgu came off in the 81st minute, after appearing to injure his hamstring after a tussle with an Arsenal defender. Fans will have been concerned to see that the 21-year-old left the Emirates walking with a limp.
Dorgu provided a two-word statement on his injury, and even though it would be a huge blow if he was to be sidelined, considering his recent performances, United have plenty of options in that position.
Cunha has been excellent coming off the bench in the Danish youngster’s position, as seen by his excellent cameo against Man City, as well as his excellent winner against Arsenal on the night.
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