Case Closed: Michael Owen’s Outlandish Football Theory Quickly Debunked

MICHAEL OWEN’s idea that could revolutionize football has seemingly been quickly disproven.

The former Premier League forward suggested that teams should avoid using walls when defending free kicks taken from beyond 30 yards.

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Owen, 45, voiced his opinion after Liverpool’s victory over Arsenal on Sunday.

A brilliant free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai secured the match as he scored from 32 yards.

The Hungarian curled his shot over the Gunners’ wall and past a struggling David Raya, with the ball hitting the post on its way in.

Owen suggested that, without a wall, the goalkeeper could position himself in the middle of the goal and cover both angles.

He also claimed that free-kick takers prefer walls since they provide a “point of reference” and can distract the goalkeeper.

However, shortly after his comments, Reading implemented his theory against Swindon Town in the Football League Trophy.

The Royals chose not to set up a wall as Will Wright prepared for a set-piece in the 47th minute.

In a classic turn of events, the center-back powered a shot into the net.

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Fans were left in stitches as Owen’s theory seemed to be quickly invalidated.

One commented: “Puts that theory to bed…”

A second commenter wrote: “Reading really listened to Michael Owen, ffs.”

Another added: “Well, that rubbishes what Owen had to say.”

However, some fans pointed out that the goal did take a deflection off one of the Reading defenders.

This could have altered the ball’s trajectory, leaving the goalkeeper unable to respond in time.

What Owen said?

Michael Owen posited that teams should refrain from establishing walls for free-kicks beyond 30 yards…

He stated to PLP: “At 32.2 yards, if you place a ball there and ask ‘can you score from that distance?’, I’d probably answer no.

“In fact, I’ve mentioned before that the wall in this case is a burden.

“Honestly, I think soon, when the ball is parked that far out at over 32 yards, if the goalkeeper is centered and there’s no wall, he probably doesn’t even need to dive; he could simply shift and catch it.

“The wall in this case obstructs their view and offers a target to aim for.”

“The goalkeeper is forced to shift to one side of the goal or the other.

“If he stands right in the center and there’s nothing in front, the opposing team will begin to block, creating their own wall.”

“That reinforces the idea that free-kick takers desire a wall there—it serves as reference.”

“Don’t get me wrong; at 20 yards out you need a wall. But beyond 32 yards, I think a wall is more of a hindrance to a goalkeeper.”

One user mentioned: “It took a deflection, to be fair.”

Another added: “This literally proves Owen right… it was deflected in.”

Owen played 297 matches for Liverpool over an eight-year period, netting 158 goals.

He later transferred to Real Madrid and Manchester United, in addition to earning 89 caps for England.

Owen was the fourth English player to win the Ballon d’Or, following Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton, and Kevin Keegan.