While Benjamin Pavard deserves some criticism for the way he inadvertently set up Folarin Balogun, it’s important to note that the USMNT striker didn’t have a clear shot at goal.
Balogun had to outmaneuver CJ Egan-Riley, who sustained a thigh injury in the attempt, before executing a stunning lob that left Geronimo Rulli with no chance to intervene. This goal increased AS Monaco’s lead to two over Olympique de Marseille.
The Principality side went on to secure a 2-1 victory. “Is it the best goal of my career? It’s definitely one of the top ones. The importance of the goal makes it special,” the former Arsenal forward expressed during a mixed zone interview covered by Get French Football News.
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His coach, Sébastien Pocognoli, remarked, “Seeing the angle, you instinctively think, ‘Why not take a shot!’ but this ‘Have a go!’ was beyond my expectations in terms of decision-making. It’s a magnificent goal. You could say he accomplished it all on his own.”
GFFN | Luke Entwistle – reporting from Monaco