Arsenal’s equaliser against Manchester City on Sunday arrived in fortunate circumstances with a new verdict given on why the goal was allowed. Just 13 minutes after Erling Haaland put City into an early lead, Riccardo Calafiori levelled with a stunning strike, though his goal was engulfed in controversy.
The Gunners had made minimal forays forward before Calafiori joined the attack to curl home Gabriel Martinelli’s pass with their being a clear reason for City’s openness. Following an incident in the middle of the pitch, as captain, Kyle Walker was called over to speak to referee Michael Oliver.
Once their discussion had finished, Thomas Partey played a quick free kick into Martinelli’s path down the left channel and over the head of the retreating Walker. With City now facing their own goal, Calafiori swiftly netted a superb equaliser, though for two reasons, City and Guardiola were left furious by how the goal came about.
