Arsenal supporters expressed outrage upon discovering that their defensive wall was positioned too far back during Bruno Fernandes’ impressive free-kick.
In a match that concluded in a 1-1 draw, Manchester United took the lead just before halftime with a remarkable free-kick from their captain, Bruno Fernandes.
Alejandro Garnacho earned the free-kick after being fouled by Leandro Trossard near the penalty area.
As referee Anthony Taylor directed the Arsenal wall backwards, Fernandes prepared to take the kick.
Despite a tall Arsenal wall consisting of Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber, Mikel Merino, Gabriel, and Declan Rice, Fernandes managed to curl the ball over the jumping defenders and past goalkeeper David Raya.
However, keen observers noticed that the Arsenal wall appeared to be positioned considerably further from the ball than the standard ten yards.
Commentator Gary Neville immediately pointed out the extended distance, noting that it seemed to give Fernandes a greater opportunity to score. He remarked that the wall looked significantly further back than usual, providing ample space for the free-kick.
Sky Sports later confirmed that the wall was indeed positioned 11.2 yards from the ball, exceeding the regulation ten yards.
Following the game, Neville commented that the ball’s trajectory, only reaching halfway up the net, suggested the excessive space given.
Arsenal fans were quick to express their anger. One fan commented that if the wall had been a yard closer, the ball would have likely hit it.
Another fan added that the extra 1.2 yards provided the necessary space for the ball to clear the wall.
A third fan criticized the refereeing, stating that positioning the wall over a meter too far back was an unacceptable error, although they acknowledged other factors contributed to conceding the goal.
Conversely, Manchester United fans dismissed the complaints. Some United supporters ridiculed Arsenal fans for finding excuses, considering the wall distance a trivial point of contention.
Christian Eriksen humorously acknowledged the extended wall distance, stating he was pleased it was approximately 15 meters away, making it ideal for Fernandes to shoot over. He also mentioned that United players were frustrated with the referee for positioning their wall too far back in the second half when Arsenal had a free-kick.
Despite the wall controversy, Arsenal legend Paul Merson criticized goalkeeper Raya’s positioning, arguing that it prevented him from making a save.
Jamie Redknapp highlighted the tactical move by Joshua Zirkzee and Casemiro, who positioned themselves to obstruct Thomas Partey, impacting the goalkeeper’s line of sight as Fernandes took the free-kick.
Merson also expressed surprise that the Arsenal wall did not attempt to move forward from the marker spray line.
Despite the free-kick goal, Raya redeemed himself later in the game with crucial saves, denying Noussair Mazraoui and another late attempt from Fernandes.
