Eric Dier's last-minute penalty earns Monaco a draw
Monaco 2 -2 Manchester City
Eric Dier's controversial last-minute penalty earned a Champions League draw for Monaco against Manchester City, despite Erling Haaland scoring twice.
Author | Macca
Stadium | Stade Louis-II
Erling Haaland struck twice in the first half to bring his tally to 52 goals in just 50 Champions League appearances as Manchester City extended their unbeaten run to five matches.
But City were denied victory in dramatic fashion when Eric Dier converted a 90th-minute penalty after being caught in the head by Nico Gonzalez.
The story of the match
Haaland barely had a touch in the opening quarter of an hour but made the breakthrough with his first involvement, latching on to Josko Gvardiol’s lofted pass before dinking a calm finish over Philipp Köhn.
The lead lasted only three minutes as Jordan Teze unleashed a spectacular strike from distance that flew into the top corner, leaving Gianluigi Donnarumma helpless.
City dominated possession thereafter and Phil Foden came close to restoring the advantage when he shifted on to his weaker right foot only to rattle the crossbar.
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Haaland had been largely on the fringes but underlined his lethal efficiency on the stroke of half-time, rising above Mohammed Salisu to power in a header from Nico O’Reilly’s cross.
Donnarumma managed to kept City ahead with a sharp stop to deny Maghnes Akliouche after the interval. However, the Italian could do nothing about Dier’s late penalty that salvaged a point for the visitors.
Fans respond to that controversial penalty decision
Andy said: “Game's gone. A penalty for a high boot in the box? So are we supposed to play below head height now? Should overhead kicks be banned?”
Tom Gregan added: “That penalty decision is a joke. Gonzalez won the ball, it was dangerous play but he still got it. If he hadn’t tried, people would be asking what he was doing.”
Jamie was also unhappy. He said: “Awful decision to give Monaco a penalty. Nico got a foot to the ball and didn’t make contact with Dier’s head. A joke!”
