During Arsenal’s pre-season match against Nurenberg, goalkeeper Karl Hein made a costly mistake that led to the home side equalizing.
With ample time to make a pass, Hein instead made an errant decision, playing the ball into the wrong area and relinquishing possession.
In an attempt to pass to a teammate under significant pressure, the Estonian goalkeeper left himself vulnerable near the edge of the penalty area.
The error has garnered attention from football fans worldwide, as is customary during the pre-season scrutiny.
The opposing player was quick to seize upon the error and win the ball back to then slot home.
Check it out below:
VIDEO: Karl Hein’s howler vs Nurnberg
Oh Arsenal, I’ve missed you pic.twitter.com/af8Dl6nF16
— Arsène’s Son 🎈 (@hughwizzy) July 13, 2023
KANJI OKUNUKI DRAWS LEVEL AGAINST ARSENAL!!!!
奥抜 侃志!!!
KARL HEIN DISASTER CLASS!
📽️ @FootColicpic.twitter.com/lVCQeg97bW— Football Report (@FootballReprt) July 13, 2023
Who is Karl Hein?
Hein is yet to make a competitive appearance for Arsenal’s senior team despite being at the club since 2018.
He did spend some time on loan at then Championship side, Reading, in 2022.
The Estonian started his journey to becoming a football player at the age of eight when he signed for JK Loo and he then moved on to Nomme United’s youth setup in 2015.
Arsenal’s academy snapped up the youngster in 2018, with Hein putting pen to paper on his first professional contract one year later.
He featured in a few pre-season games for the Gunners before moving on loan to Reading in 2022 where he made five appearances.
Arsenal held to draw
The Gunners had taken the lead through a Bukayo Saka goal.
The English winger showed a good turn of pace as he cut inside from the right-hand side before unleashing a low drive into the bottom corner.
Saka was the main man for the Gunners last season as they pushed Manchester City all the way in the title race, and he may be on course to do the same again.