Dubious goal awarded to Crouch
Premier League officials have awarded Peter Crouch with Liverpool’s opening goal against Wigan earlier this month, doubling the striker’s league tally for the season.
Crouch, 24, had not opened his account for Liverpool following a £7m (€10.3m) summer move from Southampton before Latics goalkeeper Mike Pollitt palmed his shot into the net at Anfield.
“It took a big slice of luck but that is what I have been missing recently - I’m claiming it,” Crouch said after Liverpool completed the 3-0 win against Paul Jewell’s men.
Despite Crouch wheeling away in celebration, the 19th-minute strike was initially credited as a Pollitt own goal. The Premier League’s Dubious Goals Panel have now given Crouch the goal.
There was little doubt, however, about Crouch’s goal just before half-time against Wigan, confirming he had broken his Anfield duck and deflecting controversy about the opener.
The England striker has grown in confidence since his double against Wigan and recorded another brace in the Club World Championship against Deportivo Saprissa today.
The Dubious Goals Panel also credited Zurab Khizanishvili with an own goal for Blackburn against Chelsea in October, taking the strike away from Blues midfielder Joe Cole.
