Newcastle United end Arsenal’s unbeaten start 

Anthony Gordon’s controversial second-half goal gave Newcastle United a win over Arsenal in an aggressive clash at St James’ Park.

In a hard-fought and contentious match, Newcastle secured a scrappy 64th-minute goal that summed up the gritty nature of the game. 

The video assistant referee (VAR) played a crucial role, examining whether the ball had gone out of play, assessing potential fouls, and reviewing offside situations before finally confirming the goal and allowing Newcastle to celebrate.

Arsenal’s First Premier League Defeat:

This outcome marked Arsenal’s first Premier League defeat of the season. The game was filled with controversial moments that placed referee Stuart Attwell in the spotlight even before Gordon’s decisive strike.

Contentious Incidents:

Several contentious incidents added to the drama. Newcastle supporters were incensed when Kai Havertz escaped a red card for a reckless challenge on Sean Longstaff during the first half. 

Arsenal, in turn, demanded similar punishment for Bruno Guimaraes, who appeared to elbow Jorginho but avoided serious consequences.

The Decisive Goal:

Newcastle finally broke the deadlock when Arsenal’s goalkeeper, David Raya, failed to handle Joe Willock’s cross, resulting in Gordon seizing the opportunity after a tangle between Joelinton and Gabriel at the far post.

This victory showcased the unpredictable and intense nature of Premier League football and brought an end to Arsenal’s unbeaten run, while highlighting the significant role that VAR plays in modern football officiating.