Technology proves Mikel Arteta has nothing to complain about over Newcastle goal

Technology has proved Mikel Arteta has nothing to moan about over one aspect of Newcastle’s controversial winning goal against Arsenal.

Anthony Gordon scored the only goal of a scrappy game midway through the second half to end Arsenal’s 10-game unbeaten Premier League start. After referee Stuart Attwell awarded the goal, jubilant Newcastle fans had an extended, anxious wait as the VAR made a triple check to see whether the ball had gone out of play before Joe Willock’s cross, whether Joelinton had fouled Gunners defender Gabriel and whether Gordon had been offside.

Arteta, whose side slipped two points behind leaders Manchester City, could not hide his anger after the match. He fumed: “You have to talk about how the hell did this goal stand up? Incredible. I feel embarrassed.

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“I have to now come in here and try to defend the club and please ask for help because it’s an absolute disgrace that this goal is allowed. An absolute disgrace. For many reasons, it’s not a goal. More than one reason, it’s not a goal. And there’s too much at stake here. We put so much effort [in].”

However, analysis of the goal by the Premier League’s Middle East broadcaster beIN indicates the ball stayed in play, albeit by a fraction, before Willock sent off the cross which was met by Joelinton and then converted by Gordon.

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Some fans weren’t convinced by the technology though, with one asking: “How thick is that goal line?” Another sniped: “Well done on your makeshift technology which isn’t actually accurate or active.”

However, the Gunners received backing from an unlikely source in beIN presenter Richard Keys, who has been a regular critic of Arteta and his side in recent seasons. The former Sky Sports anchor posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Arteta is spot on. Allowing that goal was embarrassing. Ok – ball might not have been out but it’s a clear push on Gabriel & Joelinton handles the ball before you can argue whether Gordon is offside. So 2 nailed on reasons to disallow it.”

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