Arsenal attacker Emile Smith Rowe opened the scoring in controversial and strange circumstances against Manchester United in Thursday's Premier League clash.

The Gunners were the brighter team in the opening exchanges and enjoyed a barrage of corners, one of which saw Fred step on David de Gea's foot.

The Spanish goalkeeper immediately went down as the ball fell to Smith Rowe outside the area, who proceeded to lash a fine effort into the back of the net with De Gea on the floor.

Referee Martin Atkinson blew his whistle after the ball had crossed the line, but replays showed that no foul had been committed from an Arsenal player.

CONTROVERSY AT OLD TRAFFORD!

Emile Smith Rowe scores with David De Gea on the floor injured... AND THE GOAL STANDS!#PLonPrime #MUNARS pic.twitter.com/dEumm7SzhA

— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) December 2, 2021

After checking that De Gea was OK, Atkinson correctly awarded Arsenal the goal - much to the chagrin of United players and fans.

Smith Rowe's opener at Old Trafford marks his fifth goal of the 2021-22 Premier League season, as well as his fourth from six top-flight games.