Michael Owen has told Premier League Productions that Brighton’s second – where Jack Harrison slices a left-footed clearance into the Leeds net – should not have counted because of a foul on Harrison before his attempt to clear.
Harrison, 26, was at the centre of proceedings on Saturday. Firstly, he got an assist – his ninth of the season – for Patrick Bamford, who slammed home an effort from the edge of the box. It saw Leeds cancel out Alexis Mac Allister’s opener.
But then, with the ball bouncing towards the Leeds goal and evading Illan Meslier, Harrison looked set to hammer the ball away from goal. However, he inadvertently got it all wrong, his clearance going into the net. Harrison, exasperated.
However, he made amends with a gorgeous goal. His first in the Premier League since August, curling home a superb shot with his right foot past Jason Steele after a short corner. Owen, though, thinks it was a foul on Leeds ace Harrison.
“This is a foul. Not many will agree with me,” Owen said. “He is about to clear, gets his foot clipped, then he ends up spooning into his own net. There is no way on earth he can kick that into his own net without being fouled.”
Leeds v Brighton: Owen says Harrison own goal should not have counted
Replays do show that Solly March does put pressure on £60k-a-week Harrison. There is contact. But is it enough to make the Leeds man that much off balance to kick the ball in completely the wrong direction? That is the question.
Harrison’s reaction to putting into his own net suggests that he knows it was probably his fault. But, no harm done, he made amends and in the end, a good point against a really strong side. Unfortunately, results did not go our way.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
