Anthony Gordon’s second-half strike was enough to beat Mikel Arteta’s side despite a four-minute VAR check to analyse three talking points with the goal – whether the ball went out of play, a potential foul by Joelinton and an offside on Gordon.
Prior to that, temperatures reached boiling point before the break when Kai Havertz was booked for a reckless lunge on Sean Longstaff before Bruno Guimaraes was perhaps fortunate not to see red for an off-the-ball forearm on Jorginho.
After the game, Arteta told Sky Sports the awarding of the goal was a “disgrace” and “embarrassing” for the officials – and on Sunday, Arsenal came out as a club to support the manager.
“Arsenal Football Club wholeheartedly supports Mikel Arteta’s post-match comments after yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors on Saturday evening,” the statement read.
“We’d also like to acknowledge the huge effort and performance from our players and travelling supporters at St James’ Park.
“The Premier League is the best league in the world with the best players, coaches and supporters, all of whom deserve better. PGMOL urgently needs to address the standard of officiating and focus on action which moves us all on from retrospective analysis, attempted explanations and apologies.
“We support the ongoing efforts of chief refereeing officer, Howard Webb and would welcome working together to achieve the world-class officiating standards our league demands.”
The PGMOL has decided not to comment on Arsenal’s statement.
On Bruno Guimaraes’ yellow card, Sky Sports News understands it would have been a red had it been deemed ‘violent conduct’.
And on the potential Gordon offside for Newcastle’s goal, it is understood there was no conclusive evidence available to VAR of when the ball was played.