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Comedy Own Goal: Nathan Baker (Aston Villa) vs Reading

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Aston Villa defender Nathan Baker consigned himself to the blooper reel on Saturday after giving Reading the lead with a tremendously bad own goal.

Brad Guzan and Ciaran Clark hold their heads after Nathan Baker scores an own goal
Photo: Getty Images
The Royals made the brighter start at the Madejski Stadium and deservedly went ahead on the half-hour thanks to a comical own goal by Baker.

There appeared little danger, despite Hope Akpan helping Jobi McAnuff's low cross on, but Baker, whilst all alone at the back post, made a complete hash of his attempted clearance.

The 21 year-old defied all laws of what it takes to become a professional footballer as missed the ball with his right foot and saw it bounced off his left foot and over the line.

Thankfully for Baker, Christian Benteke levelled matters within a minute before Gabriel Agbonlahor scored the winning goal on the stroke of half-time.

After the match Villa manager Paul Lambert hailed the mental strength of Baker to put in a sterling defensive display after his unfortunate own-goal, like a Premier League betting enthusiast.

He told a press conference: "Nathan has been excellent for us. He's been a big, big player for us. His general play was terrific again.

"The own-goal happens but you have to give him a lot of credit. He grew into the game. He was outstanding."

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