Neville doubles down on Arsenal theory after controversial Newcastle winner
Gary Neville has reiterated his belief that the decision to award Newcastle's winning goal against Arsenal was correct.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta launched a furious rant after the game, labelling the decision to give Anthony Gordon's goal "embarrassing". Gordon scored just after the hour mark, tapping in from a matter of yards out, though it had to be extensively checked by the VAR.
There was a check on whether the ball had gone out of play when Joe Willock recovered Jacob Murphy's effort by the corner flag, a check for a foul by Joelinton as he challenged Gabriel for Willock's subsequent cross and finally a check for offside against Gordon himself.
Following that lengthy delay, the VAR gave his approval for referee Stuart Attwell to award the goal. And during commentary for Sky Sports, Neville was adamant that was the right decision, despite Arsenal's anger.
"Well he’s just gone up front Gordon, they think it’s gone out, but… it’s close, it’s very, very close. But what’s not in doubt is the goal itself. Raya underneath it, he makes a mess of it, Gabriel might be whining about a push in the back but there’s nothing in that for me," he said.
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"That’s not a free kick for me from Joelinton, I just think Gabriel leans forward to head the ball and stoops down and misses it. That’s a natural jump for the ball, I’m not having that one at all. Just let me know when they’re finished, will ya? I’m done with this, I’m finished.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Should Anthony Gordon's goal have been ruled out? Comment below.
Arsenal were furious Anthony Gordon's goal stood, but Gary Neville backed the decision (Stu Forster/Getty Images)"Gabriel has gone forward himself to head the ball, throwing his legs into Joelinton so it’s not a push. He could be offside now, I’m not sure. I haven’t got a clue. VAR at Stockley Park have just asked for extra time - and they’ve given it."
Neville doubled down on his stance on Sunday morning, taking to social media to make it clear there should be no controversy about awarding the goal. He tweeted: "I thought the decision for the Newcastle goal was correct.
"The ball out was inconclusive at best, definitely not a foul for me and if the VAR can’t evidence offside the onfield decision should stand. He’d already bent forward to flick it on and he threw his legs back! I’ve tried to do it. It wasn’t a foul."
While Neville was adamant that there was no problem with the goal, Arsenal boss Arteta was left fuming. He hit out at Attwell and his team of officials as he slammed the decision to award Gordon's strike.
"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," he fumed.
"It's an absolute disgrace. Again, I feel embarrassed, I've be more than 20 years in this country, and this is nowhere near the level to describe this as the best league in the world. I am sorry."
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