Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal controversially lost against Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United at St. James’ Park in the Premier League this past weekend.
Arsenal went down 1-0 to Newcastle United this past Saturday evening.
Anthony Gordon scored the only goal of the Premier League match in the 64th minute.
While the result at St. James’ Park has enhanced Newcastle’s chances of finishing in the top four of the Premier League table this season, it has dealt a blow to Arsenal’s chances of beating Manchester City to the title.
Gordon’s goal was hugely controversial.
VAR had to check whether the ball had gone out of play, for a foul, and for offside.
Newcastle were not happy when Kai Havertz escaped a red card for a first-half challenge on Sean Longstaff.
Arsenal felt that Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes should have been sent off for an elbow on Jorginho.
Alan Shearer on Arsenal statement on Newcastle United controversy
After the match, Arsenal released a statement on their official website slamming the refereeing decisions during the match against Newcastle.
Reacting to the statement, Newcastle legend and BBC Sport pundit Alan Shearer has said on The Rest is Football podcast that Arsenal did not mention about Havertz not getting sent off.
The former England international striker made the comments while criticising Arsenal for releasing the statement in the first place.
Shearer said: “When I read Arsenal’s statement today, I didn’t hear them mention that Kai Havertz didn’t get sent off and perhaps should have. In my opinion, it should have been a red card.”
My View: Arsenal wrong to release statement
In my opinion, Arsenal should not have released a statement on their official website.
I think that the Gunners were wrong in that regard.
Of course, I understand the frustrations of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, but that does not mean that the club have to make a statement criticising the match officials.
It is not easy being a referee.
While I accept that referees do need to do better, I would like to point out that players and managers make mistakes too.
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