LONDON: Arsenal’s unbeaten start to the Premier League season came to a bitter end though as they went down to a controversial 1-0 defeat at Newcastle United in Saturday’s late match which led to a furious outburst by manager Mikel Arteta.

Third-placed Arsenal had the chance to join Manchester City at the top of the table but a bruising battle at St James’ Park was settled by an Anthony Gordon goal that stood despite a lengthy VAR review.

Gabriel Magalhaes claimed he was fouled by Brazilian international teammate Joelinton before the ball broke for Gordon to smash into an empty net.

VAR checked whether the ball had gone out of play in the build-up, whether there was a foul and for offside, but Newcastle could eventually celebrate

“It’s embarrassing what happened, how this goal stands. In the Premier League — this league that we say is the best in the world. I’ve been 20 years in this country and now I feel ashamed. It’s a disgrace,” a fuming Arteta said.

Arsenal’s lack of a world class number nine in the absence of the injured Gabriel Jesus was exposed as they failed to muster a response against a makeshift Newcastle defence.

Arsenal have 24 points after 11 matches, three behind City, while Newcastle are sixth with 20.

Forest end winless run

On Sunday, Nottingham Forest snapped a six-match winless run to beat Aston Villa 2-0 in the Midlands derby, denying the visitors a top-four spot after Ola Aina and Orel Mangala scored goals from outside the box.

Forest had not won a game since early September and the hosts took the lead inside five minutes when right back Ola Aina struck a low drive from range that flew into the bottom corner for his first goal for the club.

Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez conceded another with an error early in the second half when he attempted to save Orel Mangala’s shot that was hit with power with one hand, only to see the ball bounce over the line.

The defeat ended Villa’s six-match unbeaten run and left Unai Emery’s side in fifth place, five points behind leaders City, while Forest kept their first clean sheet at home this season to move up to 12th.

Published in Dawn, November 6th, 2023