NEWCASTLE: Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has fired back at Mikel Arteta over his astonishing VAR rant at St. James’ Park.
A solitary Anthony Gordon goal was the difference as the Magpies beat the Gunners to close the gap in the Premier League top four. And while it was no day for footballing brilliance — it was definitely one for the purists — refereeing calls dominated the post-match talk, particularly for Spaniard Arteta.
A potential red card for Kai Havertz was the first major talking point, as referee Stuart Atwell reached for yellow and even booked Sean Longstaff for dissent, despite the Newcastle midfielder almost being on the end of a leg-breaker from the German. The second big call was overlooking a potential Bruno Guimaraes red card for violent conduct, and then the goal itself was checked for three possible infringements — out of play, foul and offside — before eventually being given.
Arteta raged: “You look at the images, and I don’t know how to feel. I am wasting my time. We are wasting our time. I don’t want to be in the hands of people. It is difficult enough to compete against this really good team. The way we play, the way we compete, it is embarrassing. There is too much at stake.
“We have to talk about the result and talk about how the hell this goal stands. I feel embarrassed, I have to be the one to come in here and defend the club and ask for help because it is a disgrace that this goal is allowed.”
Howe preferred to focus on the Havertz red card as he followed enraged Arteta into the Newcastle press room.
He said: “We were close to the incident. I thought it was high and potentially dangerous. He was lucky to get a yellow. There (were) a lot of yellow cards, and I don’t think there needed to be. It wasn’t a dirty game, but there were a few flashpoints.
“Keep 11 players on the pitch was the message at half time but not lose fighting spirit and desire. We kept our heads really well in the game.”
On the VAR decision for the goal: “We’re in the dark, we’re stood by the side of the pitch seeing VAR on the screen but with no pictures. I haven’t seen anything other than what I saw at the time. It looked a good goal to me.”
Having secured a last-eight Carabao Cup place with a dazzling midweek 3-0 win at Manchester United, the Magpies followed it up with another clean sheet against the Gunners, who were previously unbeaten in the Premier League this season. Howe prefers to point to the positives from his side, rather than any ref call.
He said: “Tough game. Massive win. Full credit to players for what they gave today. It was a battling performance … Thankfully, we came out on top.
“Our open play shape defensively was good and has to be against Arsenal. We nullified them and didn’t give them clear-cut chances. I always felt we were in the game the other way, we had to stay in the game, and we did and then got the goal.
“Maybe (it was) not the game we expected it to be in terms of style from both teams. Midfield battle was important. We had to try and stay in the game in that way and Joelinton was huge and all three midfielders really helped us. When you don’t concede, you're always in a game. It wasn’t the game we prepared for, but you have to show different sides of your game to win and I think we have that in the group at the moment.”
Goalscorer Gordon, in front of the watching England boss Gareth Southgate, again impressed, netting his fourth of the campaign. The player’s versatility greatly impresses Howe.
“He’s got used to what’s expected of him. He had sight of it at the end of last season. He came back fitter from the Euros. That was successful for him. That helped his confidence and he’s been brilliant for us this season. And he’s shown versatility,” Howe said.
“There was a good feeling in the stadium. The crowd (was) responding to us, and the players understood how important every tackle and duel was. You don’t win these games unless you compete. Really proud. We’re stretched at the moment, but the players have stepped up.
“We have a group of level-headed players. The injury situation is a concern. It’s a worry when you’re competing on lots of fronts. At the moment, we seem to be losing a player a game, which is the big negative today. We’ll let the dust settle on today’s game and see what we’ve got for Dortmund.”
