United’s Jones explains infamous header vs Arsenal

Joe Williams

Manchester United defender Phil Jones has talked about one of the most legendary headers in Premier League history.

The Red Devils centre-back isn’t afraid to put his head in where it hurts but his header in a 1-1 draw with Arsenal in 2015 has been played over and over again.

A long ball foxed the England international to put Olivier Giroud through on goal, but somehow – despite lying on the floor – Jones managed to scramble across the floor to eventually complete an impressive diving clearance.

Speaking to MUTV, Jones went back over the action and has explained what went through his head at the time.

“It was one of those things,” Jones said. “I misjudged the ball from a goal kick. The ball bounced, I slipped. I tried to get up, I slipped again.

“The only thing I could do was improvise and try to head the ball away, because Giroud was through on goal. It looked silly at the time, but it did the job.

“Looking back on it, it was the slipping and trying to get up stage – that was the funny part. All my mates take the mick out of me for it!

“It was just improvisation. You do what you have to do as a defender. You have to put your neck on the line.”