MX23RW : Thursday, January 30 14:46:16| >> :60:969:969:
[monks data]
Manchester City logo
Premier League
Aug 31, 2003 at 3pm UK
 
Arsenal logo

1-2

Lauren (10' og.)
FT(HT: 1-0)
Ljungberg (72'), Wiltord (48')

On this day: Bizarre Lauren own goal doesn't cost Arsenal

Eleven years ago today, Lauren scores an own goal but Arsenal's invincibles still go on to win 2-1 away at Manchester City.

Unless you support the team that has conceded it, own goals are rarely anything other than amusing.

We all have our favourite, which for some is the one scored by Arsenal defender Lauren 11 years ago today away at Manchester City.

Both sides were unbeaten in their first three fixtures of the new season going into this clash at the City of Manchester Stadium, but, despite the fact that they were the hosts, City were regarded as the underdogs to a formidable Arsenal starting lineup that would go on to not lose a single game all term.

However, City were given a helping hand in just the 10th minute. Winger Trevor Sinclair went in pursuit of Michael Tarnat's long punt forward, but it seemed that even facing his own goal, full-back Lauren had the situation under control.

Yet, his first touch was less than convincing and as Sinclair closed in, the Cameroon international seemed to panic, before going on to lose his balance and then see his attempted clearance beat his own bemused goalkeeper Jens Lehmann and roll into the bottom corner of the Arsenal net.

Lauren claimed that he had been nudged by Sinclair, but referee Graham Poll waved away that appeal.

The hosts dominated the remainder of the first half, but they were unable to extend their advantage any further, which would ultimately prove costly after the restart.

In the 49th minute, hesitation from City centre-back Sylvain Distin let in Ashley Cole, who picked out Sylvain Wiltord with a low cross and the French striker was able to slide his shot beyond the reach of former Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman.

Then, 18 minutes from time, Seaman would play a big role in helping his old club to claim all three points. The veteran stopper was less than convincing when he dived at the feet of Robert Pires and when the ball broke free, Freddie Ljungberg was on hand to poke in from close range.

Man City: Seaman; Jihai, Sommeil, Distin, Tarnat; Wright-Phillips (Berkovic), Bosvelt [Fowler], Barton, Sinclair; Sibierski [Tiatto], Anelka

Arsenal: Lehmann; Lauren, Keown, Toure, Cole; Ljungberg [Parlour], Vieira, Silva, Pires [Edu]; Henry, Wiltord [Bergkamp]

ID:174137: cacheID:174137:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:4166:
Written by
Liam Apicella
No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Patrick Vieira and Roy Keane challenge for possession.
Read Next:
Ultimate United/Arsenal XI
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool22165154213353
2Arsenal23138244212347
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest2313553327644
4Manchester CityMan City23125647301741
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle23125641271441
6Chelsea23117545301540
7Bournemouth23117541261540
8Aston Villa2310763435-137
9Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2381053531434
10Fulham238963431333
11Brentford2394104240231
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd2385102832-429
13Crystal Palace236982630-427
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham2376102844-1627
15Tottenham HotspurSpurs2373134637924
16Everton225891928-923
17Leicester CityLeicester2345142549-2417
18Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2344153252-2016
19Ipswich TownIpswich2337132147-2616
20Southampton2313191653-376


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!