Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal
by Roger Domeneghetti
at St. James' Park

NEWCASTLE burnished their top four credentials, and dented Arsenal’s title challenge with a hard-fought, at times bad-tempered, win on Saturday evening. Perhaps ironically given their opponents, the score was 1-0.

“It’s a massive win for us,” said a delighted Eddie Howe. “The players, the group were unbelievable. I can’t praise them enough.”

But Newcastle’s determination tells only part of the story of a game that was notable for a brace of red cards that probably should have been but weren’t, and a goal that might not have been but was.

A scrappy, fractious first half sparked into life in the 37th minute when Sean Longstaff was cut down by Kai Havertz on the left touchline. His feet were off the ground, he was not in control and a red seemed certain. Yet Stuart Atwell brandished only a yellow, and VAR Andy Madley did not disagree.

Newcastle were incensed and, minutes later, Bruno Guimaraes challenged Jorginho from behind, leading with a raised elbow. Madley took a long hard look, but again, somewhat inexplicably, saw nothing wrong.

Newcastle channelled their anger more effectively after the break and in the 63rd minute they got their reward. Joelinton found Jacob Murphy just inside the area. His shot across goal look missed everyone and looked to be going out near the corner flag, but Joe Willock chased it down and crossed back into the area. Joelinton, again, rose above Gabriel to knock down for Anthony Gordon for a simple tap in.

St. James’ Park erupted, but there then followed the inevitable interminable VAR check. Astonishingly, this for three incidents. Had the ball gone out of play before Willock stopped it? Well, there was no conclusive camera angle to say it had. Had Joelinton fouled Gabriel? Well, there was a clear push but, Madley said no. Finally, had Gordon strayed offside? Again, there was no conclusive angle to show who the ball came off, so the goal stood.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta couldn’t hide his anger. “I feel embarrassed. It’s an absolute disgrace that this goal was allowed.” However, when pushed, he did not say which of the three decisions he disagreed with.

“Maybe he’s seen something I haven’t,” said Howe. “I’ve only seen it by the naked eye.”

From there, it in effect became a game of attack versus defence, Arsenal pushed for an equaliser, had a lot of possession but did little with it. Newcastle were able to see the game out for a well deserved three points. Their thoughts now turning back to the Champions League.