Arsenal fans reckon Maitland-Niles is better finisher than Suarez after comedy own goal vs Barcelona
ARSENAL fans had their head in their hands after a calamitous own goal by Ainsley Maitland-Niles against Barcelona. Leading 1-0 at the time, the Gunners were revelling in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s ferocious strike when their world came crashing down around them. Under no pressure, the wing-back played a casual backpass without checking where goalkeeper Bernd Leno […]
ARSENAL fans had their head in their hands after a calamitous own goal by Ainsley Maitland-Niles against Barcelona.
Leading 1-0 at the time, the Gunners were revelling in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s ferocious strike when their world came crashing down around them.
Under no pressure, the wing-back played a casual backpass without checking where goalkeeper Bernd Leno was.
The German had rushed off his line and watched the ball roll helplessly past him – and into the net.
Thankfully for Arsenal, it was only the Joan Gamper Trophy and many fans saw the funny side while pointing the finger at Maitland-Niles.
One joked on Twitter: “What a finesse strike by Niles though.”
Another felt: “That’s Niles career summed up.”
Whereas one Gooner saw the positives: “As good a time as any for Maitland-Niles to concede a goal like that. He needs a wake up call. Good player but loses concentration too often.”
FEEL THE BERN
As soon as the ball went in, the debate over who was to blame began.
A supporter wrote online: “Poor from AMN but it doesn’t happen if Leno stays where he should, rare mistake from him.”
And another agreed: “Fell sorry for AMN – Leno shouldn’t be coming off his line there..what was he thinking?”
Arsenal’s official Twitter account hilariously dodged the issue by reporting on the goal in amongst a tweet about substitutions.
Fans, however, wouldn’t be fooled and saw the comedy of the situation – comparing him with Luis Suarez before the striker popped up at the death to score the winner.
The scores were levelled just seconds ago… now it's time for Dani Ceballos!
Our Real Madrid loanee makes his way onto the field at Camp Nou…
@DaniCeballos46, Saka, Martinelli
@JoeWillock, @HenrikhMkh, @MesutOzil1088
1-1
(69) pic.twitter.com/c9enkiYu9X
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 4, 2019
One fan commented: “Just pretending THAT didn’t happen.”
Another Twitter user replied: “Just barely act like it happened, great idea.”
While one joked: “Maitland-Niles: a better Barca striker than Suarez.”