Arsenal moved three points clear of Manchester City again in the Premier League title race with a narrow victory against Newcastle United on Saturday evening.
The Gunners could face a scenario where they finish on the same number of points as Pep Guardiola's Citizens. Therefore, they would've liked to win by a larger margin as goal difference will be the deciding factor if both teams accumulate the same points tally.
However, the north Londoners had to settle for pulling one goal clear of City for the time being. Eberechi Eze smashed in a thunderbolt in the opening half, a strike worthy of winning any match. There could've been an opportunity for more goals, but the referee decided against sending off Nick Pope.
Mark Clattenburg Gives Arsenal vs Newcastle Red Card Verdict
Mark Clattenburg
Martin Odegaard sent a long ball over the top of the Magpies' backline in the second period, releasing Viktor Gyokeres. Pope rushed off his line but missed the ball and ended up dragging the Swede to the ground. Watch the incident.
Sam Barrott showed a yellow card to the English shot-stopper with Malick Thiaw judged to have been in a covering position. Former Premier League official Mark Clattenburg has now given his verdict, agreeing with the decision. He told Arsenal Insider:
"No one can argue that there was a foul by Nick Pope on Viktor Gyokeres and the only question for the referee is whether Gyokeres have a goalscoring opportunity. When the foul happens, Malick Thiaw would clearly have got to the ball first so this makes the decision of a yellow card correct by the referee."
Mikel Arteta Disagrees With Clattenburg's Assessment
Mikel Arteta
Speaking to Sky Sports after the full-time whistle, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta gave his opinion on the incident. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Spanish tactician felt the England international should've walked.
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"A really debatable no red card for the second time in two games because against City we should have played against 10 men at 1-1, I just watched it back, and it’s clear," Arteta told Paul Merson, Jamie Redknapp and David Jones.
He added: "Because if that happens with Pope inside the box and the defender is outside, it’s a red card." Had the visitors been reduced to 10 men, Arsenal may have felt more comfortable in pushing forward to get their goal difference up.