Manchester United beat Arsenal 3-2 in the Premier League on Sunday with Patrick Dorgu among the goalscorers
Patrick Dorgu of Manchester United
Patrick Dorgu scored for Manchester United against Arsenal(Image: Mike Egerton/PA Wire)
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Manchester United have been told why the decision was made to stick with the on-field call for Patrick Dorgu’s goal against Arsenal. Dorgu scored United’s second goal in their 3-2 victory over the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
United trailed in the game after an own goal from Lisandro Martinez, before Bryan Mbeumo quickly equalised for Michael Carrick’s team in North London.
Dorgu then put United ahead in the second half, only for Mikel Merino to equalise for Arsenal in the closing stages.
There was to be more drama as Matheus Cunha scored the winning goal for United in the final minutes of the match, which has seen United climb up to fourth place in the Premier League table.
Whilst referee Craig Pawson was left with very few contentious decisions in the game, there was some controversy about whether or not Dorgu’s goal should have been disallowed for a potential handball.
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has explained why the evidence presented to Pawson and the VAR officials meant disallowing Dorgu’s goal was not an option.
"I didn't think he handled it, but it is so hard to see,” Gallagher said on Sky Sports Ref Watch.
"You have to be sure it has struck his arm to disallow it. Does the ball hit his hip and go forward? I think it does."
Ex-England striker Jay Bothroyd appeared alongside Gallagher and was in agreement with the former referee was to why he believes it was the correct decision to allow Dorgu’s goal to stand.
"If you can't 100 per cent tell if it hits his hand, you have to give the goal,” Bothroyd said.
"[Martin] Zubimendi did appeal straight away and he is the closest player to him."
Carrick was quick to praise Dorgu following the crucial goal against Arsenal, with the Denmark international impressing the United boss across the last two games.
"The move for Pat was a really good move, and the connection through the pitch, but to finish it the way he did was some finish," Carrick said.
"Pat's been a big player for us over the last couple of games. I think in so many ways, attacking wise, obviously he scored two goals, but I think in terms of the threat and his athleticism and his quality coming in as well, and connections.
Patrick Dorgu of Manchester United celebrates scoring their second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United
Patrick Dorgu celebrates scoring for Manchester United against Arsenal(Image: )
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“I think defensively, he's been immense as well, down the side with Luke [Shaw] and doubling up against two teams that ask a lot of questions down the side
"It's a big, big job for him and I'm delighted for him because the two goals he scored, very different goals, but you get that because he's put so much into the performances. It's nice to see him smiling and happy."
The win for United means that Carrick has now won both of his matches since been appointed as United’s interim head coach following Ruben Amorim’s exit earlier this month.
United have just the Premier League to focus on between now and the end of the season, and the win over Arsenal meant they have leapfrogged Liverpool and Chelsea in the table in the race for Champions League qualification.