Newcastle fans have been left dumbfounded at Matt Ritchie’s open goal miss against Burnley on Monday, many dubbing it ‘the miss of the season’.
With Newcastle leading 2-1 in the second-half and Burnley chasing an equaliser, Ritchie was given the chance to kill the game.
The move started after some good pressure from DeAndre Yedlin allowed the wing-back to get in behind and bundle a ball across the six-yard box.
With the goal gaping, Ritchie made a great run to the back-post where he was all set to tap it in from three yards.
But instead, he missed.
It was a highly confusing moment, and veteran commentator Martin Tyler even declared it was a goal to the millions of people watching the live Sky Sports broadcast.
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It had seemed impossible that he could miss, but the midfielder somehow blared his strike wide.
Luckily for Newcastle, he was not made to regret the miss as they held out for a 2-1 win.
But that hasn’t stopped Newcastle fans and the rest of the football world from commenting on Ritchie’s woeful strike.
Fans react to Ritchie’s miss
Fans on Ritchie’s performance overall
Although his miss was inexcusable, it’s a shame it will be the highlight of his performance.
The right-winger was deployed in an unfamiliar left-wing back role against The Clarets, as an injury to Paul Dummett forced Rafa Benitez to line-up with a 3-5-2.
The Scotsman initially started the game well, providing the cross for Newcastle’s second goal, a glancing header from Ciaran Clark.
But he undoubtedly looked awkward attacking down the left during the match.
He looked devoid of ideas at times, as he was unable to cut back and cross with his favoured left foot.
His work in defence though was, as always, tireless and with 100% effort.
And despite his miss, many fans have come out in support of his quick adaption to a new role: