Pedro Goncalves has handed Sporting CP a fighting chance against Arsenal after chipping Aaron Ramsdale from near the halfway line in their Europa League clash.
Sporting CP and Arsenal drew 2-2 in their first-leg round-of-16 Europa League tie in Portugal to set up a crucial second-leg clash at the Emirates on Thursday evening.
Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka broke the deadlock inside the opening 20 minutes to put the Gunners in control of the last-16 match going into half-time.
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However, Mikel Arteta’s men were stunned in the second half when Goncalves ‘channelled his inner David Beckham’ with an outrageous shot from near the halfway line.
Arsenal were dispossessed from the ball before it was collected up by Goncalves, who charged forward into the Gunners’ half before lofting a magnificent chip.
Ramsdale was completely caught out and the Arsenal No 1 scrambled back to his net in a desperate bid to deny Goncalves.
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Goncalves’ perfectly struck shot was enough to dip over a helpless Ramsdale, with Sporting CP pulling level on the scoreline and on aggregate as well.
Fans on social media were quick to draw a comparison with Manchester United legend Beckham famously scoring from the halfway line at Wimbledon in 1996.
“That’s Beckham-esque from Goncalves,” one fan said.
Someone else commented: “Wow. What an incredible goal from Pedro Goncalves. David Beckham-esque.”
A third wrote: “That was like the Beckham goal vs Wimbledon that made him a star!”
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While one Twitter user posted: “I hope I don’t see random flashes of that Pedro Goncalvez goal against Arsenal for some time.”
Another added: “Goal of the season by Goncalves against Arsenal.”
And a sixth tweeted: “The Arsenal fans inside the Emirates also enjoyed the Sporting wonder goal.”
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Topics: Arsenal, Europa League, Sporting CP, Football
Adnan Riaz