Discussions about Arsenal goal: Was Manuel Neuer clearly fouled? | OneFootball

Arsenal’s 1-0 win over FC Bayern is a talking point – and raises the question of whether the goal should have counted at all. Jurrien Timber gave the Gunners the lead from a corner kick in the 22nd minute, but just before the ball was played, a scene occurred that had a decisive influence on the outcome.

The Arsenal defender pushed his body into the Bayern keeper’s path, pushing him off balance and creating crucial space for himself. It was precisely this moment that is now causing widespread debate – not only among fans, but also among former top goalkeepers.

Schmeichel: „That’s a clear foul“

Peter Schmeichel, one of the best goalkeepers of his generation and a long-time United star, gave a clear assessment of the scene on ran at half-time: „For me, it’s a clear foul because Timber pushes Neuer and knocks him off balance. That’s why he can’t get to the ball afterwards – and Timber then scores the goal.“

Schmeichel is addressing a key point: UEFA normally gives goalkeepers special protection in the five-metre area. If a keeper is actively blocked or pushed, it is usually considered a foul – regardless of how intense the contact is.

Why the VAR still did not intervene

The fact that the goal was allowed to stand was mainly due to the fact that the contact was not judged to be „obviously and clearly against the rules“. In such standard situations, physical blocks are considered part of the game as long as they are not classified as excessively violent or deliberately obstructive. The referees decided that the action was within reason – a matter of interpretation, but one that is not only met with incomprehension among experts.

Kompany and Neuer are not looking for excuses



DAZN expert Michael Ballack’s assessment of the scene is very different: „He wants to block the player himself, gets a bit out of balance himself, especially out of rhythm and out of timing for this corner kick and comes too late,“ he analyzed the scene after the game.

Bayern coach Vincent Kompany commented on the controversial scene, but made it clear that it was not responsible for his team’s defeat: „Maybe there was this contact beforehand, but what can I do now? I don’t like excuses,“ he made clear. For him, the situation was clear: „Let’s be honest and say that Arsenal were better today.“

Neuer himself did not want to blame the referee either. „Of course he throws me off balance, that’s clear,“ said Neuer. „Then I’m in a different position than I would have liked.“ Arsenal deliberately push the boundaries when it comes to standards, the captain emphasised. The referees know this – but it is rarely whistled. Nevertheless, he did not want to reproach the referee: „There was no criticism from my side.“