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Jake Stokes

Why Oleksandr Zinchenko was not offside for Arsenal winner despite Man Utd complaints over VAR

There has been a lot of controversy regarding Eddie Nketiah's match-winner against Manchester United and new images have revealed whether the goal should have stood or not.

The 23-year-old striker equalised for the Gunners no more than five minutes after Marcus Rashford beat Aaron Ramsdale from range with a spectacular strike. In the second half, Mikel Arteta's side began in the ascendency before Bukayo Saka reclaimed the north London side's lead.

The Red Devils quickly turned the tie their favour just moments later when Lisandro Martinez nodded the ball beyond the flailing Arsenal shot-stopper. The dust eventually settled; the two sides looked set to claim a point each until late controversy erupted at the Emirates Stadium, and on social media.

READ MORE: Jakub Kiwior to Arsenal transfer latest amid Man United visit, medical verdict and £17.5m agreement

On the brink of stoppage time, Nketiah guided Martin Odegaard's deflected effort goal-bound to clinch all three crucial points. The Hale End graduate initially looked to be offside as he lurked inside the six-yard box so the decision was taken to the Video Assistant Referees.

VAR ruled that Nketiah was in fact onside but there was still fury among United fans, with Oleksandr Zinchenko - the provider for Odegaard's chance - appearing to be offside in the build-up. A large section of the Red Devils fanbase watching Sky Sports vented their confusion on social media, questioning whether Nketiah's goal was wrongfully awarded.

But, it's turned out that Sky Sports didn't switch to, and televise, the VAR feed until after Zinchenko's potential offside had been checked, which is why viewers only saw the check on Nketiah. After clinching the winner for Arsenal, Roy Keane showered the youngster with the utmost praise and even compared him to Ian Wright.

"He reminds me in his movement and even his interviews - and I’m gonna put him under huge pressure here - of Ian Wright," the former United midfielder said, speaking to Sky Sports. "Like he used to do, not getting many touches but that sharpness in the box, which we see as well for the winning goal.

"If you’re hanging around the box and you’re a sharp striker, you’ll get your chances and your goals."

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