‘I shouted’: Lokonga shares what referee said to him during Arsenal friendly yesterday

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Arsenal’s Albert Sambi Lokonga admitted to the club’s official website that his appeals fell on deaf ears when the referee failed to give the goal, despite Joe Willock’s shot crossing the line in their friendly against Chelsea.

Unlucky Arsenal

Willock took aim and his shot bounced off the cross bar and beyond the line, before rebounding into play.

Unfortunately for Arsenal, there was no goal line technology in operation at the Emirates Stadium for the pre-season friendly.

As a result they ended up losing 2-1, despite having the ball over the line twice.

And Lokonga admits that the referee told him he was simply unclear over the incident, so he couldn’t award the goal.

Appeals unheard

“Yes, I shouted to the referee because for me the ball was inside, but he said to me he was not so sure so he didn’t give the goal,” Lokonga said.

Thankfully for Arsenal the incident did not come in a competitive game, but it does highlight the value of goal line technology.

Willock may well be disappointed not to have the goal on his record too.

The young midfielder is playing for his Arsenal future, and he once again showed his ability to get on the scoresheet.

Willock hit eight goals on a loan spell for Newcastle United last term, after only joining in January, and it now remains to be seen whether he has done enough to convince Mikel Arteta to keep him around.