Anthony Gordon’s controversial 64th-minute goal helped Newcastle United score a memorable win over Arsenal at St. James’ Park, bringing an end to the Gunners’ unbeaten Premier League season.
Arsenal had seven wins and three draws from its first 10 PL matches, but now has lost back-to-back matches in all competitions following a midweek League Cup ouster from West Ham United.
[ MORE: Mikel Arteta rages at VAR: ‘I feel sick to be a part of this’ ]
Gordon punched home his goal after the ball flirted with going out of play on the end line, Joelinton appeared to shove Gabriel Magalhaes’ headed clearance attempt, and a razor-thin offside saw lines drawn in Northeast England.
The Magpies built on a midweek League Cup blowout of Manchester United and now sit sixth with 20 points, four fewer than third-place Arsenal.
[ MORE: Premier League table — Standings from 2023-24 season ]
Frazzled Gunners can’t overcome controversial moments
Arsenal had few very ideas to get through Newcastle’s stingy back line, and Anthony Gordon’s controversial goal proved too high a mountain for the Gunners’ struggling attack to summit.
Arsenal was coming off 0.72 xG production at West Ham in the League Cup and they didn’t even get to that figure on Saturday. The Gunners turned 59% of the ball into 13 shots, only one finding Nick Pope, and a total xG of 0.55.
That should not discredit a Newcastle defense which is organized, disciplined, and fiery under Eddie Howe. Not at all. But Arsenal is supposed to be a team that knows how to break down an opposition.
Gunners supporters will ruminate on the goal and a possible red card dodged by Bruno Guimaraes in the first half, and those are very real talking points, but the main takeaway should be Arsenal’s lack of ideas in the final third. Brutal.
What’s next?
The Magpies go to Dortmund for a 12:45pm ET Tuesday kickoff with BVB in the Champions League, then visit Bournemouth at 12:30pm ET Saturday (Nov. 11).
Arsenal hosts Sevilla at 3pm ET Wednesday before Burnley visits the Emirates Stadium at 10am ET Saturday (Nov. 11).
Newcastle vs Arsenal, final score: 1-0
Goal: Gordon (64')
Newcastle vs Arsenal player ratings
Newcastle vs Arsenal player ratings (fotmob.com)
Newcastle vs Arsenal player ratings (fotmob.com)
Anthony Gordon goal: Newcastle goal survives three VAR checks
Honestly, we’re still not sure how this goal has been allowed to stand, but it’s 1-0 Newcastle.
The Magpies managed to rescue a ball that was skirting being 100% out of play, then sent a cross toward a possibly-offside player that saw an Arsenal player shoved in the back.
Yet after a long review, the ball stayed in play, Anthony Gordon was onside, and Joelinton’s two hands into Gabriel Magalhaes’ back were ajudged to be fine.
And Newcastle leads 1-0.
How to watch Newcastle vs Arsenal live, stream link, start time
Kick off: 1:30pm ET Saturday (November 4)
TV Channel: NBC
Online: Watch on NBCSports.com or Stream via Peacock Premium
Newcastle starting lineup
Your Newcastle United. 👊#NEWARS // #NUFC pic.twitter.com/Di6cSuv0dn
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) November 4, 2023
Arsenal starting lineup
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) November 4, 2023
🧱 Tomiyasu at the back
©️ Jorginho skippers the side
🇩🇪 Havertz in the middle
On the road - together 👊 pic.twitter.com/mXM1lqGQbw
Focus on Newcastle United, injuries
The absence of Alexander Isak is going to make Eddie Howe ask plenty of Callum Wilson, who is playing very well but is 31 and the manager’s only other main center forward option. Injuries out wide to Harvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy are also taxing the Magpies.
OUT: Harvey Barnes (foot), Sandro Tonali (suspension), Jacob Murphy (shoulder), Elliot Anderson (back), Sven Botman (knee), Alexander Isak (groin), Javi Manquillo (groin), Lewis Miley (illness), Matt Targett (hamstring)
Focus on Arsenal, injuries
Arsenal is without some key pieces, too, as Thomas Partey’s absence continues to ask a lot of Declan Rice and Co.
Gabriel Jesus returning would help the Gunners, who are leaning on Eddie Nketiah and any number of false nine types to lead the line. Gabriel Martinelli should be fit but is nursing an issue.
OUT: Thomas Partey (other), Gabriel Jesus (thigh), Emile Smith Rowe (knee), Jurrien Timber (knee)
