Arsenal supporters are expressing fury after learning that their defensive wall was positioned excessively far back during Bruno Fernandes’ spectacular free-kick.
Manchester United opened the scoring in the 1-1 draw just before halftime with an exceptional set-piece goal from their captain.
The free-kick opportunity arose when Alejandro Garnacho was fouled by Leandro Trossard near the edge of the penalty area.
Fernandes prepared to take the kick as referee Anthony Taylor instructed the Arsenal wall to move back.
Despite a formidable wall including Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber, Mikel Merino, Gabriel, and Declan Rice, Fernandes managed to generate sufficient power and curve to overcome the jumping wall and beat goalkeeper David Raya.
However, observant fans noted that Arsenal’s five-man wall appeared to be positioned considerably further from the ball than regulation.
Gary Neville immediately commented on the situation, stating during his commentary: “The wall seems quite far back. It appears to be giving him an advantage. It looks a mile away.”
He added, “Usually, with a substantial wall like that, it always looks very challenging to lift the ball over it. But there seemed to be excessive space, allowing him to not even need to aim for the very top corner of the net.”
Sky Sports later confirmed that the wall was indeed positioned 11.2 yards from the ball – exceeding the regulation ten yards.
Following the match, Neville commented that it was evident “something was amiss” because the ball entered the goal only “half way up the net”.
Arsenal fans voiced their frustration, with one stating: “If Arsenal’s wall had been a yard closer for Bruno’s free-kick, it would have struck the wall.”
Another fan added: “The additional 1.2 yards provided the ball with just enough space to clear the wall.”
A third remarked: “While we are responsible for some aspects of conceding the goal, the wall being positioned over a meter too far back is unbelievably poor refereeing.”
However, Manchester United fans countered, with one saying: “Arsenal fans complaining about the wall’s distance might be a new low.”
Others responded: “Always finding excuses.”
Regarding the free-kick, Christian Eriksen disclosed: “I’m glad the wall was approximately 15 meters away, making it ideal for him to curl it over.”
“I believe I noticed it early on before the kick. It was similar when they had a free-kick in the second half; we were clearly annoyed at the referee for positioning us so far back.”
Instead of focusing on the wall’s placement, Arsenal legend and pundit Paul Merson criticized Raya’s positioning, which he felt resulted in the goalkeeper “getting nowhere near” the shot.
Jamie Redknapp commended Joshua Zirkzee and Casemiro for disrupting Thomas Partey’s line of sight to the goalkeeper as Fernandes approached the ball.
The pundit also expressed surprise that Arsenal’s wall remained behind the referee’s spray line and did not attempt to move forward.
Despite any potential blame for the free-kick goal, Raya later redeemed himself with excellent saves, denying Noussair Mazraoui and a late attempt from Fernandes to secure a win.
Marcus Bellamy