Newcastle vs Arsenal: Controversy as Gordon ends Gunners' unbeaten run
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Arsenal's unbeaten run ends || Credit: Imago

Newcastle vs Arsenal: Controversy as Gordon ends Gunners' unbeaten run

Stephen Oladehinde 21:01 - 04.11.2023

Arsenal stumbled to a controversial defeat to Newcastle at St. James Park, as the Magpies ended their unbeaten run.

Arsenal stumbled to a controversial defeat to Newcastle at St. James Park, as the Magpies ended their unbeaten run.

The Gunners were coming back from a 3-1 defeat against West Ham in the EFL Cup on Wednesday.

They were unable to continue their unbeaten run in the Premier League following their 1-0 loss to Eddie Howe’s side.

Anthony Gordon’s controversial strike in the second half separated both teams after several minutes of VAR check.

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As it happened 

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe played the same starting XI that drew with Wolves last weekend after making eight changes from the side that defeated Manchester United in the EFL Cup on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta made six changes from the Arsenal side that suffered a 3-1 loss to West Ham in the EFL Cup on Wednesday.

David Raya is back in goal after Aaron Ramsdale's outing last week, William Saliba, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Declan Rice all return to the starting line-up.

The game started with Arsenal dominating most of the possession and putting pressure on the Newcastle defence.

Both teams were unable to create many chances as the game went on with the game getting intense as the game headed towards half-time.

Kai Havertz lunges in and wipes out Sean Longstaff. Newcastle players race over and are fuming, you would think VAR will have a look at this.

The VAR agreed with the referee’s yellow card decision, with the referee blowing the halftime whistle.

Newcastle vs Arsenal Premier League match || Credit: Imago
Newcastle vs Arsenal Premier League match || Credit: Imago

Both teams came out for the second half and Arsenal still continued dominating possession but unfortunately fell behind.

Jacob Murphy's wayward shot is just about kept in play by Joe Willock and the cross is headed down by Joelinton, who appears to push Gabriel, but Anthony Gordon scrambles in.

Newcastle forward Gordon scores a controversial goal || Credit: Imago
Newcastle forward Gordon scores a controversial goal || Credit: Imago

VAR checked that the ball didn't go out of play before the cross and they are satisfied it didn't but did Joelinton foul in the build-up?

VAR was satisfied Joelinton didn't push over Gabriel, so all that is left is to decide if Anthony Gordon was offside. 

The goal was later allowed by the VAR after several minutes of checking three different incidents.

Arsenal kept pushing for the equalizer until the final whistle but could not break down the Newcastle defence as their unbeaten run ended.

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