A former Premier League referee was left ‘simply astounded’ by the decision not to give Arsenal a penalty against Newcastle on Sunday when Viktor Gyokeres was felled by Nick Pope.
In the first half of the clash at St James’ Park, with the score goalless, the Swedish striker pounced on a poor back pass from Jacob Murphy.
Gyokeres poked the ball past Pope and was brought down, with referee Jarred Gillett pointing to the penalty spot.
However, he was advised to have another look on the pitchside monitor as Pope had got a slight touch on the ball before the contact with his opponent.
As a result, the penalty decision was overturned, much to the chagrin of the Arsenal players and their manager Mikel Arteta.
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Former top flight referee Keith Hackett was stunned that the referee’s call was changed despite Pope touching the ball, saying it was an ‘easy decision’ for the officials.
‘I am simply astounded that referee Gillett hasn’t awarded a penalty kick after the intervention of VAR,’ Hackett told Football Insider. ‘This is an easy decision, the goalkeeper has fouled the forward.
‘This is Gillet’s fourth match this season involving Arsenal. No matter what capacity, Referee, VAR or 4th official that is too much.
‘I find it difficult to understand how a penalty kick has not been awarded to Arsenal.’
A Premier League statement on the decision read: ‘After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of penalty to Arsenal.
‘Referee announcement: “After review, the Newcastle goalkeeper plays the ball and there is no foul. The final decision is drop ball”.’
Former Liverpool and Tottenham midfielder Jamie Redknapp thought it was a penalty and Arsenal could consider themselves unlucky it was not given.
‘He [Pope] gets a touch but I’m not sure it was enough to negate the foul. I’m amazed that got overturned, I have to be honest,’ Redknapp told Sky Sports.
‘Gyokeres anticipates it, gets away from him and he definitely clears him out.
‘I can see both sides of it but I was surprised it got overturned.’
The decision ultimately did not cost Arsenal as they dramatically won the match 2-1 at the death.
Summer signing Nick Woltemade headed Newcastle into the lead on 34 minutes, with Arsenal frustrated the referee did not give a foul on Gabriel, but in truth the German striker barely touched the Brazilian and the Gunners defender went down quite pathetically.
Arsenal eventually got level on 84 minutes as substitute Mikel Merino deftly headed an in-swinging cross from Declan Rice, accurately finding the corner of Pope’s goal, who had made a number of impressive saves.
It was yet another header that proved decisive as Gabriel rose to nod in a Martin Odegaard corner deep into stoppage time, breaking Newcastle hearts and sending Arsenal second in the Premier League table.
Metro at the Match: Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal
mes of the season.
Here are our team’s key takeaways from Arsenal’s dramatic win at St James’ Park:
Super subs deliver again
Subs, replacements, finishers – call them what you want – but one thing is clear: Arsenal’s squad depth will be a vital tool in their bid to win the title this year. Gabriel Martinelli last week and Mikel Merino this around, Arteta’s second-half changes continue to get his side goals when they need them most. Ben Fleming, sports reporter
Was it a penalty?
Viktor Gyokeres was felled by Nick Pope and a penalty was given, but the Newcastle goalkeeper was saved by VAR as he got a slight touch on the ball. The decision remained debatable. Clear and obvious error? Surely not. Phil Haigh, sports reporter
Saliba benching raises eyebrows
Mikel Arteta’s team selection is back under the microscope after the benching of William Saliba on Sunday, particularly given the struggles of his replacement Cristhian Mosquera, who was hauled off at the break. Arteta said Saliba’s fitness still has to be managed – so why was he given the full 90 minutes against Port Vale in midweek? Ben Fleming, sports reporter
Woltemade a new hero but Magpies still look blunt
Newcastle have struggled for goals so far this season and they weren’t exactly free-flowing in attack on Sunday. Nick Woltemade has made a decent start and the giant German is a threat in the air, but Magpies fans will be relishing the return to fitness of Yoane Wissa to spark some attacking verve. Phil Haigh, sports reporter
Exciting Eze continues to give Arteta a dilemma
Finally deployed in a central attacking position, Eberechi Eze was at least one bright spot for the Gunners. Martin Odegaard has made that position his own in recent years, but Arteta may soon be forced to consider if his captain is the best man for the job in the coveted No10 role. Ben Fleming, sports reporter
Thiaw looks a great addition
In a transfer window awash with sagas, Malick Thiaw arriving at Newcastle from AC Milan went under the radar. The defender was fantastic here, dealing with Gyokeres impressively. Physically imposing and technically good on the ball. Phil Haigh, sports reporter