VAR expert breaks down all of the reasons why Newcastle goal vs Arsenal had to stand

A VAR expert has broken down all the reasons why Newcastle United's controversial goal against Arsenal had to stand.

Anthony Gordon's winner in Saturday's Premier League fixture has been scrutinised following the controversial nature of the goal.

Gordon's strike against Arsenal was allowed to stand due to a VAR loophole as Mikel Arteta pulled no punches during his post-match interview, stating that he felt 'embarrassed'.

The club then supported Arteta's outburst as they released a strongly-worded statement about the incident.

But ESPN's Dale Johnson has gone through the three different aspects of the goal as he came to the conclusion that the goal had to stand.

However, he believes Arteta can have genuine complaints over Joelinton's involvement in the goal.

Did Joe Willock keep the ball in play?

"As it happened so far away from the goal area, it was out of shot of the camera on the goal-line, which is concentrated on the area around the goal.

"The VAR in this game, Andy Madley, has to take into account the angle of the camera and the curvature of the ball; it's impossible to say - without doubt - that the whole of the ball was out, so the decision stays with the on-field call."

Was Anthony Gordon offside?

"Then there's the possible offside against Gordon. When Joelinton touches the ball, Gordon needs to be behind it to be onside. But there is no camera angle which shows both the ball and the whole of Gordon's body.

"It's very possible that Gordon was marginally ahead of the ball, but the VAR cannot change the on-field call on a hunch - so the decision of onside must stand."

Did Joelinton foul Gabriel?

"The only part of this decision that Arteta can have legitimate complaints about is the potential foul on Gabriel, when Joelinton appeared to push down on his back with extended arms. The freeze-frame images look damning, but in real time it doesn't look anywhere near as incriminating.

"Indeed, on the initial replays few people seemed to think there was even a foul to look at. It's a borderline decision for a VAR overturn; some will think this is definitely a foul, others that there's not enough in it. Is it clear and obvious?"

What's your take on VAR allowing Gordon's goal to stand against Arsenal? Let us know what you think.

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Topics: Arsenal, Newcastle United, Football

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Darren Till. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

@NasJabbar