Dominic Calvert-Lewin says the ball hit him in the stomach for Everton's equaliser against Manchester United.
The Blues striker netted a last-gasp equaliser in a thrilling 3-3 draw at Old Trafford, prodding past David De Gea after a free-kick was launched into the box.
Home defenders appealed in vain for a handball after the ball initially struck Calvert-Lewin's body before he was able to control it.
And, speaking to Sky Sports, the 23-year-old confirmed the ball hit him in the midriff.
He said: "I think it's frustrating that we got back level after going two goals down but then let them get the lead again from a set-piece.
"We just hung in there, it was a difficult evening, especially when they had the ball for large parts and we had to stay disciplined.
"Then I just had to smell the goal at the end and put it in."
He continued: "To be fair, I was just waiting for a little nick.
"I knew I wasn't going to get the first contact so it's just about being ready for the second one and being ready for it to drop.
"Once it hit me in the stomach I knew I could get there before the keeper, so I just thought 'beat the keeper and it's a goal'."
The goal was checked by VAR before being allowed and, when asked by the interviewer where the ball had struck, Calvert-Lewin joked that officials were welcome to have another look at the replay if they needed to.
"Right there, check it again if you want," he smiled.
