Gary Neville has reaffirmed his belief that the decision to grant Newcastle’s winning goal against Arsenal was the correct one.
Following the game, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his frustration and labeled the decision to award Anthony Gordon’s goal as “embarrassing.” Gordon scored shortly after the one-hour mark, converting from close range, although the VAR conducted thorough checks.
Multiple aspects were examined, including whether the ball had gone out of play when Joe Willock retrieved Jacob Murphy’s effort near the corner flag, a potential foul by Joelinton as he contested with Gabriel for Willock’s subsequent cross, and a review for offside against Gordon himself.
After a lengthy delay, the VAR ultimately approved the referee Stuart Attwell’s decision to award the goal. During the Sky Sports commentary, Gary Neville strongly supported the decision, despite Arsenal’s displeasure.
Neville remarked, “Well he’s just gone up front Gordon, they think it’s gone out, but… it’s close, it’s very, very close. But what’s not in doubt is the goal itself. Raya underneath it, he makes a mess of it, Gabriel might be whining about a push in the back but there’s nothing in that for me,”
“That’s not a free kick for me from Joelinton, I just think Gabriel leans forward to head the ball and stoops down and misses it. That’s a natural jump for the ball, I’m not having that one at all. Just let me know when they’re finished, will ya? I’m done with this, I’m finished.”
“Gabriel has gone forward himself to head the ball, throwing his legs into Joelinton so it’s not a push. He could be offside now, I’m not sure. I haven’t got a clue. VAR at Stockley Park have just asked for extra time – and they’ve given it.”
On Sunday morning, Neville reiterated his viewpoint on social media, making it clear that there should be no dispute about awarding the goal. He tweeted, “I thought the decision for the Newcastle goal was correct.”
“The ball out was inconclusive at best, definitely not a foul for me and if the VAR can’t evidence offside the onfield decision should stand. He’d already bent forward to flick it on and he threw his legs back! I’ve tried to do it. It wasn’t a foul.”
While Neville stood firm in his belief that there was no issue with the goal, Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, was highly critical. He expressed his dismay and criticized the decision to award Gordon’s goal, saying, “I feel embarrassed. But I have to be the one now coming here to try to defend the club and please ask for help because it’s an absolute disgrace that this goal is allowed, it’s an absolute disgrace,”
“It’s an absolute disgrace. Again, I feel embarrassed, I’ve be more than 20 years in this country, and this is nowhere near the level to describe this as the best league in the world. I am sorry.”
Arsenal performance and stats
Arsenal is currently 1st in the Champions League with 6 points.
In the last 3 games, it has won twice and lost once. In its last match, Arsenal won 1-2 against Sevilla.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 7 goals and conceding 3.
Arsenal will play the next match in Champions League against Sevilla on Wednesday 8th of November in London. The prediction is Arsenal winning the match.
Newcastle United performance and stats
Newcastle United is currently 3rd in the Champions League with 4 points.
In the last 3 games, it has won once, drawn once, and lost once. In its last match, Newcastle United lost 0-1 against Borussia Dortmund.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 4 goals and conceding 2.
Newcastle United will play the next match in Champions League against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday 7th of November in Dortmund. The prediction is Newcastle United winning the match.