Manchester United have been officially informed about the detailed reasoning behind the decision to uphold the on-field call regarding Patrick Dorgu's contentious goal during their dramatic 3-2 victory over Arsenal. The Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon was decided by a late winner, but it was Dorgu's second-half strike that sparked significant debate among fans and pundits alike.
Controversial Goal Stands After VAR Review
Patrick Dorgu netted what proved to be a crucial goal for Manchester United in their thrilling encounter against Arsenal, putting the Red Devils ahead during the second half of the pulsating match. However, immediate appeals from Arsenal players, particularly Martin Zubimendi who was positioned closest to the incident, suggested the ball might have made contact with Dorgu's arm before he finished expertly.
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has provided crucial insight into why referee Craig Pawson and the Video Assistant Referee team determined that disallowing the goal wasn't a viable option. Speaking on Sky Sports' Ref Watch programme, Gallagher explained the fundamental principle governing such decisions.
"You Have to Be Certain" - Former Referee Explains
"I didn't think he handled it, but it is so hard to see," Gallagher stated during his analysis. "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."
Gallagher's perspective was supported by former England striker Jay Bothroyd, who joined the discussion panel and reinforced the view that allowing the goal to stand represented the correct application of the rules. Bothroyd emphasised the burden of proof required for overturning such decisions.
"If you can't 100 per cent tell if it hits his hand, you have to give the goal," Bothroyd asserted, highlighting the fundamental challenge facing match officials when dealing with ambiguous incidents.
Carrick Praises Dorgu's Impact
Manchester United's interim manager Michael Carrick was quick to commend Dorgu following the vital contribution against their London rivals. The Denmark international has emerged as a significant figure for United in recent matches, earning particular praise from his manager for both offensive and defensive contributions.
"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 remarked in his post-match assessment. "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."
Carrick further highlighted Dorgu's defensive work, noting his partnership with Luke Shaw and their effectiveness against teams that pose substantial threats from wide areas. The United manager expressed particular satisfaction with Dorgu's recent performances and goal contributions.
Match Context and League Implications
The Emirates Stadium encounter followed a familiar pattern of drama between these historic rivals. United fell behind early following an unfortunate own goal from Lisandro Martinez, before Bryan Mbeumo swiftly equalised for Michael Carrick's side. Dorgu then put United ahead in the second period, only for Mikel Merino to restore parity for Arsenal as the match entered its closing stages.
Further late drama unfolded when Matheus Cunha struck what proved to be the winning goal for United in the final minutes of the match. This crucial victory has significant implications for the Premier League table, propelling United into fourth position and above both Liverpool and Chelsea as the race for Champions League qualification intensifies.
Carrick's Perfect Start Continues
The victory against Arsenal represents Carrick's second consecutive win since assuming the role of interim head coach following Ruben Amorim's departure earlier this month. With United now eliminated from all cup competitions, their focus remains entirely on Premier League matters until the season concludes.
This concentrated approach appears to be yielding positive results, with the team displaying renewed resilience and attacking threat under Carrick's temporary stewardship. The victory against a direct rival for European qualification positions represents a significant statement of intent as United seek to secure a return to Champions League football.
The clarification regarding Dorgu's goal provides official closure to one of the match's most debated moments, though it's likely to remain a talking point among supporters of both clubs as the season reaches its climax. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges facing match officials in interpreting handball incidents with the assistance of video technology, particularly when visual evidence proves inconclusive.
