Tonali looks on from the stands, Guimaraes should have been sent off

  /  autty

Newcastle United secured an excellent 1-0 win over Arsenal courtesy of a controversial goal from Anthony Gordon.

In a fiery game referee Stuart Atwell had plenty to think about when Kai Havertz flew in late on Sean Longstaff and Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes almost being sent off for the rash use of his elbow.

The deadlock remained unbroken up until the 67th minute when Jacob Murphy pulled his effort wide, but former Arsenal man Joe Willock bust a gut to keep the ball in and cross to the back post for Gordon to slam home after a small scramble.

After a lengthy delay courtesy of VAR, who were checking if the ball stayed in and if Joelinton fouled Gabriel in the buildup, the goal was given and delivered all three points to Newcastle.

Sandro Tonali watches on from the stands

It's been some weekend for Sandro Tonali. On Friday, following a report by Mail Sport, the FA confirmed they were investigating whether Tonali breached betting rules after joining Newcastle in the summer.

Today, the midfielder was spotted in the stands alongside the fans. It’s a feeling he’ll have to get used to.

Stuart Atwell had a busy afternoon

After 37 minutes, Kai Havertz, who seemed to be a man on a mission darting around like a hare, launched a wild sliding tackle on Sean Longstaff leaving him poleaxed.

That left referee Stuart Attwell all at sea. Yellow cards for Anthony Gordon, Fabian Schar, Havertz, and Longstaff — yes , the man who was felled — followed.

Whether the challenge was worthy of red card was debatable, but Attwell shortly after missed a Bruno Guimaraes elbow on Jorginho that should’ve been a dismissal.

Ben White's new hair brought no luck

Arsenal’s Ben White made his 100th club appearance. He was also seen back with black hair, just two weeks after dying it peroxide blonde.

Some quipped that the midweek own goal against West Ham may have been a contributing factor.

Time-wasting rears its head again

Time-wasting, after Eddie Howe’s assertions when the two sides last played in May, came back into focus.

David Raya got booed within the first 15 minutes for taking an age at a free-kick, and Declan Rice was busy tying his shoelaces to leave Dan Burn waiting to take a throw-in.

By the end, how the Gunners will have wished for more time.

Mikel Arteta clashes with Jason Tindall

An animated Mikel Arteta is standard fare on a matchday touchline, gesturing away at any opportunity. At one point, fourth official Graham Scott had to pull him away from Newcastle assistant manager Jason Tindall as the two got within reaching distance.

Later, on separate occasions, Scott reminded Arteta where his technical area ends.

Related: Arsenal Newcastle United Vitoria Guimaraes Arteta Rice Havertz Ben White Gordon Tonali
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