Newcastle secured a significant victory against Arsenal on Saturday night, but the goal scored by Anthony Gordon was shrouded in controversy.
The sequence leading to Gordon’s goal began with Jacob Murphy’s cross, which narrowly avoided going out for a goal-kick, thanks to Joe Willock’s intervention near the corner flag. Willock then swiftly delivered a cross into the box, taking advantage of a moment when the Arsenal goalkeeper, David Raya, failed to deal with it effectively.
Joelinton then physically overpowered Gabriel, leading to Gordon’s opportunity to shoot and score. Referee Stuart Attwell awarded the goal, although VAR Andy Madley extensively reviewed multiple incidents in the buildup to Gordon’s strike, causing a delay in the game.
Initially, the VAR checked whether the ball had gone out of play when Murphy’s cross first entered the goal area.
The replays suggested that there was a clear gap between the ball and the line, indicating it had remained in play. However, Stockley Park, where the VAR officials are based, maintained that there were no definitive camera angles to confirm the ball’s status after Madley’s ruling.
A graphic from beIN Sports appeared to support this decision, showing a sliver of the ball still within the field of play.
Subsequently, Madley examined a potential foul committed by Joelinton on Gabriel, as Joelinton seemed to jump into the back of the Brazilian defender, leaving him on the ground. After numerous reviews, Madley conveyed to Attwell that no foul had been committed.
Lastly, the VAR reviewed a possible offside involving Gordon himself, who appeared to be positioned between Raya and the goal line.
Typically, such a scenario might result in the goal being disallowed since Gabriel was the only Arsenal player between Gordon and the line. However, Stockley Park disclosed that Madley lacked a clear camera angle to determine when and if Joelinton had played the ball towards his teammate.
During commentary on Sky Sports, pundit Gary Neville voiced his agreement with each decision made by Madley. He expressed his perspective, stating, “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.”
While Neville supported the goal standing, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was incensed by the decision to award it. He strongly criticized the decision as “embarrassing” and launched an extraordinary rant, expressing his disappointment with the state of the Premier League and the stakes involved in the competition.
“No conclusive evidence” ⚖️
Gary Neville believes officials made the correct decision to allow Anthony Gordon’s controversial goal to stand in Newcastle’s 1-0 win over Arsenal ✅ pic.twitter.com/3WkLAiZWy2
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 5, 2023
“I feel sick. That’s how I feel. I feel sick to be part of this.”
An ANGRY Mikel Arteta shares his thoughts on the controversial Newcastle goal that meant Arsenal suffered their first Premier League defeat of the season. 😳 pic.twitter.com/fYT5lyo6eF
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 4, 2023
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
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.
