Arsenal legend Paul Merson got a little too excited in the Sky Sports studio as he watched their stunning Champions League win over Real Madrid. On a magical night at the Emirates, the former winger was on duty to update viewers as Mikel Arteta’s side secured a 3-0 first-leg win, putting them on the brink of a semi-final place.
Merson had been on his feet in the 58th minute when Declan Rice struck a sublime opener. The England international beat Thibaut Courtois with an effort which curled around the wall and into the corner, prompting huge celebrations from the 57-year-old. And 12 minutes later, Rice was at it again with an even better second goal.
Prior to kick-off, Rice had never scored directly from a free-kick in 338 club games for West Ham and The Gunners. However, he proved his first effort was no fluke as he bent a long-range effort into the top right-hand corner, again leaving Courtois with no chance.
Merson couldn’t contain himself, shouting: “It’s a phenomenal free-kick. Oh my God – Rice, Rice, baby! Wow. What a goal. The first was good, this one is better. Courtois is over that side, and he’s just bent it, whipped it. Unbelievable.”
However, as he jumped around punching his fists in the air, Merson hadn’t banked on a wardrobe malfunction. Having clearly forgotten to tuck his trousers in, his shirt flew up, leaving his lower belly exposed to the live cameras.
Not that the two-time title winner with Arsenal was overly bothered, eventually settling back to his seat and trying to make sense of what he’d seen. Meanwhile, fellow studio pundit Steve Sidwell was in stitches after spotting his colleague’s misfortune.
The incident certainly didn’t dampen Merson’s enthusiasm, though. He was shouting for joy again late on when Mikel Merino swept home a third for Arsenal, leaving the holders with a mountain to climb at the Bernabeu next week.
“I cannot believe what I’m watching here,” Merson said after the Spaniard’s strike, this time opting to remain seated. “It’s Arsenal three, and the champions, Real Madrid, nil. What an unbelievable night. Probably the greatest night at the Emirates.”
