Newcastle end Arsenal’s EPL unbeaten run with controversial goal

Newcastle ended Arsenal’s unbeaten start to the Premier League season as VAR controversially allowed Anthony Gordon’s goal to stand in the Magpies’ 1-0 victory at St James’ Park on Saturday.

Arsenal were defeated for the first time in 11 league games, with the manner of their loss leaving a bitter taste.

Joelinton clearly pushed Arsenal defender Gabriel as the pair challenged for Joe Willock’s cross, with the ball running for Gordon to score from close-range.

As well as appealing in vain for a foul by Joelinton, Arsenal angrily claimed the ball had gone out before Willock’s cross.

It was one of a host of debatable moments in a tempestuous encounter at St James’ Park.

Arsenal’s Kai Havertz and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes were both lucky to avoid red cards in the first half.

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Coming just days after they crashed out of the League Cup at West Ham, Arsenal’s second successive loss was a painful blow to their title bid.

Mikel Arteta’s men sit in third place, three points behind leaders Manchester City, with Tottenham able to move into pole position and climb five points ahead of their north London rivals if they beat Chelsea on Monday.

Newcastle’s victory capped a memorable week for Eddie Howe’s sixth-placed team, who knocked Manchester United out of the League Cup at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

Newcastle are on the hunt for revenge when they travel to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Tuesday.

They then visit Bournemouth in the Premier League next Saturday.

Arsenal host Sevilla in the Champions League looking to move a step closer to the knockout stage on Wednesday.

The Gunners then welcome Burnley to north London on November 11.

The Star