- Crystal Palace lost to Liverpool
- Daniel Munoz scored controversial goal
- Oliver Glasner admits considering letting hosts score
Oliver Glasner has given his verdict on Daniel Munoz’s controversial goal in Crystal Palace’s 3-1 loss to Liverpool. The Austrian coach has revealed that there were discussions held over letting the hosts score due to the nature of the goal.
Munoz scored in the 71st minute but in contentious fashion after capitalising on a fallen Freddie Woodman. The Reds’ goalkeeper went down with a knee issue and the ball fell to the wing-back outside the box.
The Colombian chipped the ball over Woodman and several defenders into the back of the net. This sparked fury from the Merseysiders including Arne Slot who was infuriated on the touchline.
Glasner: It was the right decision
Glasner has responded to criticism over Munoz and his decision to score while Woodman was injured. He told reporters:
“You could see the keeper could end the game. In these situations, to demand the referee has to stop is dangerous for the future because we see in every set-play the keeper is involved in a duel. If he clears the ball with his arm, he stays on the ground and you never get a second phase.”
He added:
“This wouldn’t be the best for football. It was not so clear, but I think it was the right decision.”
There have been similiar situations in the past where a team have let the opposition score due to an injury. Glasner confirmed this was considered:
“We were discussing it to be honest. I always said it was clear if the keeper was to be subbed I would definitely score an own goal. Because then it was a serious injury and it would have been wrong. But in this situation he felt pain in this moment. As keepers often do, they feel pain when they get hit from four-five yards.”
Glasner pointed out that Woodman still tried to get to his feet which indicated that it wasn’t too serious of an injury. He did indeed continue playing after the goal and the hosts prevailed at Anfield.
Mike Dean: It can’t not be a goal
Mike Dean agrees with Glasner over the goal being rightfully awarded and similar pointed out that Woodman still attempted to prevent it. The former Premier League referee said:
“It can’t not be a goal. What do you do? He’s made a save, he’s spoken to the player, and he’s just dinked the keeper straight away. What doesn’t help is that even though Woodman is injured, he gets up to try and stop the ball anyway and then he goes down again. It’s a goal.”
Liverpool took the lead through Alexander Isak before Andy Roberston scored their second. Munoz’s goal gave Slot’s men a nervy finish but Florian Wirtz struck late to ensure all three points.
The result all but ends Palace’s hopes of qualifying for Europe via their league finish. They switch their focus to the UEFA Conference League, facing Shakhtar Donetsk in the semi-finals.
