Manchester City vs Huddersfield Town: Was Sergio Aguero’s first goal offside?

Manchester City‘s first goal against Huddersfield Town in Sunday’s Premier League fixture, occurring around 20 minutes into the first half, started with an Ederson goal kick. The goalkeeper punted the ball long up the field, in a direct pass over the top to Sergio Aguero, who had caught the Huddersfield defenders in a high line up the pitch.

Aguero worked himself into a shooting position and scored. Ben Hamer had rushed out, and was understandably upset at his defenders for allowing Aguero so much space.

Read more: How will Liverpool line up against Crystal Palace? Team news, injuries and big decisions for Jurgen Klopp to make

Some pointed out that Aguero was beyond the final centre-back in yellow, and then claimed the Argentinian striker was therefore in an offside position.

Some fans took to Twitter to complain about his positioning:

Is that Aguero’s goal not offside?

— Shiekh Hayeck (@vanboyosky) August 19, 2018

Was Aguero not offside there? Wd love to see another replay.

— Dan King (@DanKing_1974) August 19, 2018

Wasn't Aguero's offside? Nobody is saying anything about it.#MCIHUD

— OLUWAFIFUNMI (@FifunmiRexx) August 19, 2018

Pretty positive Aguero was offside when he started the run for that goal #MCIHUD

— Tony Tallis (@adtallis1) August 19, 2018

Aguero a mile offside. Andy Hinchcliffe not picking up in that is poor

— Grobocop (@Tony_Beam1) August 19, 2018

So, was the goal offside?

It’s true that Aguero is positioned beyond the last defender when Ederson kicks the ball.

However, it is also true that the Manchester City striker is not offside. You cannot be in an offside position from a goal kick, a corner or a throw-in.

In the Laws of the Game it states: “There is no offside offence if a player receives the ball directly from: a) a goal kick, b) a throw-in, c) a corner kick”

Therefore, the goal is entirely the fault of Huddersfield’s defenders for playing such a high line from a goal-kick against a pacey striker. Some credit must also go to Ederson for quick thinking and excellent distribution.

Some social media users were surprised to learn the rule:

I’ve watched football for donkeys years and I genuinely had no idea you couldn’t be offside from a goal kick.

— Stef Johnson (@Spellstef) August 19, 2018

Wow just seen Ederson’s assist to Aguero. Brilliant goal kick and outstanding finish from Aguero.
I didn’t know that you couldn’t be offside from a goal kick though.
Learn something new every day!

— 𝒟𝒶𝓋𝑒 ⁹ (@Dave9AFC) August 19, 2018