Former Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer was amazed by something he saw one Arsenal transfer target do on Saturday.
Ivan Toney almost scored a wonder-goal against Arsenal.
The Gunners hosted Brentford at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. After a hard-fought contest, Kai Havertz’s late goal secured a 2-1 win for the north London club, sending them to the top of the Premier League table for the first time since Christmas.
Mikel Arteta’s side had initially taken the lead in the first half when Declan Rice nodded Ben White’s cross into the back of the net. However, disaster struck for the hosts on the stroke of half-time. Aaron Ramsdale had a nightmare moment when he lingered on the ball, allowing Yoane Wissa time to charge him down and deflect the ball into the Arsenal goal.
Things very nearly got a whole lot worse for the Gunners after the break. In a moment of brilliant opportunism, Toney spotted Ramsdale off his line, and struck a fierce effort on goal from near the halfway line. The venom and precision on the forward’s strike from such range was extraordinary. The ball looked set to rocket into the top corner, but Ramsdale was able to scramble backwards and just claw it away at full stretch.
Given Ramsdale is almost certain to depart in the summer, and is unlikely to ever play for Arsenal again, he will have been grateful for the opportunity to atone for his earlier error. Arsenal fans were certainly pleased that the evening ended with celebrations for Ramdale.
Alan Shearer amazed by Ivan Toney moment against Arsenal
Credit must be given to Toney for his effort, though. On another day it could easily have nestled into the back of the net, and it would surely have been a strong goal of the season contender. The speed of thought and technique that the strike required were admirable, and offered a glimpse of the talent that the once-capped England international possesses.
Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for Toney for some time. Arsenal sporting director Edu may well have had an eye on the player on Saturday.
Alan Shearer was seriously impressed by Toney’s long-range shot. Reflecting upon the moment on The Rest is Football podcast, the ex-striker said, “what a strike, wasn’t it? Incredible!”
Arsenal fans will, of course, be delighted that the shot didn’t find its way into the back of the net, but it was undeniably an impressive effort.
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