Following the match at St. James’ Park, the visiting team was treated to a video nasty, with a playback of Anthony Gordon’s goal setting the tone for an enraged press conference.
As he left the field, Declan Rice smiled back at Newcastle United supporters who highlighted the score, but his teammates would soon be bursting at the seams in the visitors dressing room at St James’ Park.
When Kai Havertz was allowed to continue playing despite what many saw as a clear red card for his foul on Sean Longstaff, there was a sense of unfairness. But the Gunners felt Anthony Gordon’s victory was equally contentious.
Their anger behind the scenes was more than audible as they watched the goal back, with Arsenal feeling the ball was out of play to begin with before Joelinton was adjudged to have shoved Gabriel. But the goal stood after a long VAR check.
Arsenal keeper David Raya emerged to confirm the noise coming from the Arsenal dressing room. He said, “What I could see was the ball went out of play, and then after going to the dressing room, looking back at the goal, it’s a big foul on Gabi. He’s pushing him with two hands on his back when he’s about to clear the ball.
“On the other hand, it could have been an offside position; that’s harder to see. But getting the ball out of play and the foul is a massive decision that’s just going to cost us some points.
“We’re really frustrated. The way we played and competed was brilliant from everybody. We did what the gaffer asked us to do: win duels, get the ball up the pitch, and everything, but decisions have taken a goal.”
That set the tone for Arteta to march down to conduct his press conference in one of the most explosive exchanges for some time with journalists. Arteta blasting in his meeting with journalists: “We have to talk about the result because you have to talk about how they help these goals stand up, and it’s incredible. I feel embarrassed.
“But I have to be the one now coming here to try to defend the club, and please ask for help because it’s an absolute disgrace that this goal is allowed. It’s an absolute disgrace.”
Down the corridor, Newcastle players celebrated another big win to send them to Germany in great spirits for the clash against Borussia Dortmund. After learning Dortmund had been hammered by Harry Kane and Bayern Munich, there was even more encouragement for the Geordies.
