Ruben Amorim criticizes officials for allowing controversial Arsenal goal

On August 17, 2025, Arsenal secured a narrow victory over Manchester United with a contested goal scored by Riccardo Calafiori in the 13th minute during their Premier League match at Old Trafford. The goal stemmed from a corner taken by Declan Rice, with William Saliba allegedly obstructing United's goalkeeper, Altay Bayindir, to create the opportunity. The incident sparked immediate frustration from Manchester United's management and players, specifically Ruben Amorim and Bruno Fernandes, who both believed that Saliba’s actions deserved a foul call, thereby making the goal invalid. This sentiment echoed concerns about goalkeeper protection rules in the Premier League, which have become increasingly scrutinized in recent seasons. Amorim claimed the inconsistency in officiating regarding rules about goalkeeper obstruction should be addressed for the integrity of the game. Fernandes also voiced his disappointment, expressing skepticism about whether officials will consistently enforce the rules surrounding goalkeeper safety and contact during set-pieces. While both teams displayed potential, United’s struggles to convert chances continued to plague their performance, leaving them frustrated after outplaying Arsenal for significant portions of the match. This defeat serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in United's pursuit to enhance their attacking prowess. The game highlighted Arsenal's continued effectiveness from set-piece situations, a critical element in their game strategy, which contributed to their victory amid a shaky officiating performance. The implications lie in the potential adaptations needed by both teams moving forward in the league, particularly in terms of their attacking strategies and how they navigate the interpretation of officiating standards in future matches.