In a match fraught with controversy, Arsenal‘s impressive unbeaten streak in the Premier League was abruptly ended by Newcastle United and PGMOL at St James’ Park.
Despite a hard-fought game, it was a few moments of contention that dominated the headlines, with Anthony Gordon‘s goal being allowed to stand after a contentious VAR check, leaving Arsenal and their fans bewildered and frustrated.
Arsenal’s unbeaten start to the Premier League season came to a halt at St James’ Park, with a solitary goal from Anthony Gordon granting Newcastle United a one-nil victory.
David Raya, the Arsenal goalkeeper, along with the rest of the squad, were not happy in the dressing room post-match, following the contentious decision to allow Gordon’s goal to stand despite debates over a possible foul and the ball being out of play.
The incident, which saw a push from Joelinton on Arsenal‘s Gabriel Magalhães, sparked a lengthy four-minute review by the video assistant referee Andy Madley.
Arsenal‘s manager, Mikel Arteta, did not mince words in his post-match comments, branding the decision to let the goal stand as “embarrassing” and stating that he felt “ashamed” for such a call to be made in what is frequently touted as the world’s premier football league.
Reflecting on the match, Raya conveyed his view from the pitch: “What I could see was the ball went out of play, and then after going to the dressing room, looking back at the goal, it’s a big foul on Gabi. He’s pushing him with two hands on his back when he’s about to clear the ball.”
He noted the potential offside position was harder to discern, but maintained that the ball had indeed crossed the line and the shove on Gabriel was a significant oversight by the officials that ultimately cost Arsenal valuable points.
“On the other hand, it could have been an offside position, that’s harder to see,” Raya said. “But the ball is out of play and the foul is a massive decision that’s just going to cost us some points. We’re really frustrated.”
Despite the frustration, Raya commended the team’s effort: “The way we played, the way we competed, it was brilliant from everybody. We did what the gaffer asked us to do; win duels and get the ball up the pitch and everything, but decisions have taken a goal.”
Arsenal‘s offensive stats at St James’ Park reflected a team in control, yet unable to capitalise on their dominance, with only one of their 14 shots finding the target.
The fallout from this defeat not only highlights the continued debate around the efficacy and accuracy of VAR in the Premier League but also casts a shadow on the otherwise stellar start to the campaign by Arteta‘s men.
As they regroup and refocus, the club will be eager to put this annoyance behind them and reaffirm their credentials as title contenders in the next league match against Burnley at the Emirates.