ARSENAL legend Thierry Henry recalled a hilarious goal his team conceded when he was just 11 years old.
The former France striker revealed the moment while in the Amazon Prime studio for Manchester United’s clash with Arsenal on Thursday night.
Henry was reacting to Arsenal’s bizarre opening goal at Old Trafford when he brought up the memory from the past.
Emile Smith Rowe gave the Gunners the lead when his volley hit the back of the net despite David de Gea being down injured.
De Gea hit the deck after his own player Fred stamped on his ankle from a corner.
There were several minutes of confusion as De Gea got back to his feet, but referee Martin Atkinson – with help from the VAR – eventually signalled that the goal would stand.
Replays showed Atkinson had not blown his whistle before the ball hit the back of the net, but he did appear to put the whistle to his lips before deciding against stopping the game.
Henry explained: “The last time I saw that was when I was 11 and my goalkeeper went to have a sandwich and left his goal – and then we were 1-0 down.”
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There was plenty of controversy over whether the goal should’ve stood – and if Arsenal should’ve gifted one back.
United players were angry, but according to former Premier League referee Mark Halsey, the goal was perfectly fine to stand.
He told SunSport: “It was bizarre as Smith Rowe fired home into an empty net with David de Gea injured on the ground.
“The strike was eventually awarded by VAR because referee Martin Atkinson did not see Fred had stepped on the foot of the United keeper.
“However, I don’t believe the controversial first-half incident should have reached that point.
“Atkinson clearly did not know why goalkeeper De Gea was lying on the ground.
“The United keeper could have had a head injury or something even more serious for all he knew.
“Therefore, the Yorkshire official should have used common sense and blown his whistle to stop play before Smith Rowe even took his shot at goal.
“We saw on the replays Atkinson went to blow and then stopped.
“Yes, De Gea should have been stronger but we must remember a goalkeeper is a specialist position because they are the only players on the field who can handle the ball.
“Atkinson’s positioning was poor, he got caught up in play and was in front of Smith Rowe when he took his shot. He should have moved six yards behind Smith Rowe to get in a better position.”
SHEARER NOT IMPRESSED
And Alan Shearer slammed De Gea for staying down injured after the accidental clash with Fred.
Former Newcastle striker Shearer said: “I didn’t see or hear the referee blow. I didn’t see or hear a serious foul on the goalkeeper and it’s only that his own player stands on him.
“I don’t think I’m being too harsh here, but I don’t think the game has changed that much. That happens in every game, someone standing on your foot or ankle.
“With him going down like that, not a care to where the ball is, yes they hurt. But I’m not sure he should be staying down like that. He’s up on his feet a minute later anyway, so it couldn’t have hurt that much.
“There’s an argument, if there would’ve been a serious injury and he couldn’t carry on and had to be stretchered off, then there’s an argument in terms of fairness of play if Arsenal should’ve let Man Utd score.
“But he’s up on his feet a moment later. He’s walking around, he’s not limping. I think you get them in every game.”
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