Man Utd keeper De Gea prompts derision from fans on Twitter as Arsenal take early lead
The Spanish stopper seemed utterly wrongfooted by Granit Xhaka's speculative shot in the 12th minute of the crucial Premier League clash at the Emirates this afternoon
MANCHESTER UNITED fell behind to a goal from Granit Xhaka at the Emirates stadium this afternoon – and the world of football was quick to apportion blame.
David de Gea was beaten from outside his box by a speculative shot from the Swiss midfielder in the 12th minute of the crunch Premier League clash.
And fans and pundits alike were confused by how the Spanish goalkeeper had been beaten so comfortably by Xhaka's effort.
Former England defender Danny Mills told BBC Radio 5 Live: “David de Gea just went completely the wrong way… it has to go down as a huge goalkeeping error.
“There is a little bit of swerve on the ball but it's no Roberto Carlos, is it?”
Sky Sports’ Jack Wilkinson wrote: “What on earth happened there with De Gea?
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“Granit Xhaka has previous with swerving shots from distance but that’s as uncharacteristic a moment as you’re likely to see from the United goalkeeper. Arsenal ahead, but I’m not quite sure how.”
Fans on Twitter were no less forgiving to the United ‘keeper.
Twitter user Mark summed up the thoughts of many by saying: “De Gea is still at the bar in Paris.”
Tom Wellings wrote: “Don’t get the whole De Gea is best keeper in the world thing”, while Buck tweeted: “De Gea should've asked for that raise before the World Cup”.
The hapless ‘keeper won’t find any consolation in a tweet from Sky Sports Statto, who pointed out: “David De Gea has conceded 6 goals from outside the box in this season.
“Only conceded more than that once in his 8 seasons at (conceded 9 from outside box in 2013-14).”
Arsenal remained one goal to the good in the crucial match as it went into half time.