Newcastle’s explosive 1-0 victory against Arsenal marked the end of the Gunners’ unbeaten run in the Premier League, amidst a storm of controversy over Anthony Gordon’s contentious goal, allowed by VAR, in football match news. Mikel Arteta’s side suffered their first defeat in 11 league games, with the manager condemning the result as “a disgrace,” citing several contentious decisions that influenced the outcome.
Controversial Winner
The match at St James’ Park was riddled with controversial moments, none more contentious than the decision to allow Anthony Gordon’s goal to stand. Joelinton’s push on Arsenal defender Gabriel during Joe Willock’s cross drew vehement protests from the Gunners, who argued both a foul and an out-of-play ball. Arteta’s frustrations spilled over post-match as he criticized the decision, labeling it “a disgrace” and expressing his disillusionment with the officiating.
Tensions ran high throughout the game, with challenges from Arsenal’s Kai Havertz and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes sparking confrontations and debates around referee decisions. Havertz’s reckless tackle on Sean Longstaff raised tempers on both sides, leading to heated exchanges and bookings for protesting players. Guimaraes, too, escaped punishment despite controversial actions, contributing to the intense atmosphere of the match.
Unimpressive Showings
The game’s first half saw a lackluster display from both teams, with minimal goal-scoring opportunities and a palpable lack of attacking finesse. While Arsenal managed a few notable attempts, Newcastle struggled to find their rhythm, failing to register a single shot in the initial half-hour. Both sides grappled with a lack of composure and precision in the final third, resulting in a scrappy and disjointed first-half performance.
Newcastle’s eventual victory came in the 64th minute, marred by controversy over the validity of the goal. As Willock’s cross set up Gordon’s close-range finish, the contentious nature of the goal led to fervent protests from Arsenal players and management. Despite their dominance in possession during the closing stages, the Gunners failed to convert their chances, suffering a setback in their quest for Premier League glory.
Despite the contentious outcome, Newcastle celebrated a remarkable win, capping a memorable week that included a triumph over Manchester United in the League Cup. The victory marked a significant step for Eddie Howe’s team, while Arsenal were left reeling from their first defeat of the season.
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