A controversial goal from Anthony Gordon saw Newcastle United end Arsenal’s unbeaten run in the Premier League following their 1-0 win at St James’ Park.
Before Newcastle could finally celebrate, the video assistant referee ruled that the ball had gone out of play, that there had been a foul, and that Gordon had scored a scrappy goal in the 64th minute.
Even before Gordon’s winning goal, referee Stuart Attwell was embroiled in multiple heated exchanges, condemning Arsenal to their first Premier League loss of the year.
After Kai Havertz’s wild first-half challenge on Sean Longstaff avoided a red card, Newcastle was incensed. Arsenal then demanded a similar punishment for Bruno Guimaraes, who was lucky to escape after appearing to elbow Jorginho.
After a mix-up between Joelinton and Gabriel at the far post, the Magpies eventually broke the deadlock when Arsenal keeper David Raya missed Joe Willock’s cross. Gordon was left to pounce.
The Toon Army’s excitement at the final whistle was a reflection of their two recent victories, which proved Newcastle will once again be a formidable opponent this season.
Even after manager Eddie Howe changed his starting lineup, Newcastle defeated Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup. In this match, however, they displayed newfound abilities to defeat Arsenal in an attrition-based battle.
This was about as far from the beautiful game as it gets, with little quality on display from either side and resentful exchanges.
Even the goal took a while to score because Gordon’s goal was awarded after the officials essentially went through a VAR multiple choice.
Newcastle then displayed the organisation and fortitude they had grown to know under Howe.
They settled in and, despite a tense eight minutes of stoppage time, hardly gave Arsenal a sniff of goal before Attwell put an end to this intense match. The second half transpired in a Tyneside downpour.
Although they were shaky early in the season, Newcastle has improved recently and is now back in the top four, with a Carabao Cup quarterfinal against Chelsea to look forward to.
Given that this was Arsenal’s first league loss of the season and that they are currently in third place, just three points behind leaders Manchester City, it appears from the sheer facts that the team is off to a strong start.
However, a closer look reveals some worrying indicators for manager Mikel Arteta, as the Gunners continue to lack the spark and fluidity that propelled them to the lead in the title fight last season until Manchester City overtook them.
In addition, there are concerns about two of Arteta’s summer additions: Kai Havertz and keeper David Raya.
Havertz’s foul on Longstaff that set off a ruckus between the teams and Raya’s thrashing and fruitless attempt to claim Joe Willock’s cross prior to Gordon’s goal implicated both of them in this.
While Havertz, whose style is inherently languid, cruised through this stormy game with little to no effect, Raya has yet to demonstrate that he is an improvement over the dropped Aaron Ramsdale.
Although Arsenal is still in a strong position, they have had a particularly bad few days after losing to West Ham in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday and now suffering a setback at St. James’ Park.
