Club Brugge goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has admitted he always throws the ball with his hands to ensure he doesn’t get caught out like Aston Villa did.
The Belgian goalkeeper was speaking to RTL after the 1-0 win over Aston Villa on Wednesday evening in the Champions League.
The game was decided by a Hans Vanaken in the 52nd minute after Tyrone Mings was punished in bizarre circumstances.
Referee Robias Stieler awarded the Belgian side a penalty after Mings picked up a pass inside his own area in order to restart the kick-off.
The assumption is that he had missed the whistle from Stieler and thus was caught unaware that Emi Martinez had technically restarted the game. It was a bizarre moment, but one Mignolet says he’s more than aware can happen and always looks to avoid.
It was a disappointing evening all round for Aston Villa, who were nowhere their best throughout the game.
They had gone into the game as favourites but were outplayed throughout, with Brugge managing 13 shots and seven on target compared to Villa’s eight shots and one on target.
In truth Unai Emery’s side were fortunate to not lose by a greater scoreline and Mignolet certainly believes that it was a deserved three points on their part.
“It’s a great result here at home,” he added.
“It’s a team that won everything, it’s a very good result for us, especially with the way we did it. I didn’t have a lot of work, it was us who created the chances.”
“We tried to stay calm and play football. We had to keep the ball as much as possible. We didn’t give the opponent any space or chances, that’s a very good thing.”
