Newcastle fans thought VAR ‘stitched them up’, then Martin Odegaard scored for Arsenal.
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Newcastle United fans were left frustrated and feeling hard done by after a controversial call from VAR saw a penalty decision overturned in their Sunday afternoon clash with Arsenal. Martin Odegaard’s stunning strike added insult to injury for the Magpies, who were looking to take a step closer to Champions League qualification.
The match got off to a fast start with Jacob Murphy hitting the post for Newcastle within two minutes. The home side then thought they had a golden opportunity to take the lead, as the ball appeared to strike the arm of Arsenal centre-back Jakub Kiwior inside the box. Referee Chris Kavangh was prompted to consult VAR, which revealed that the ball had hit Kiwior on the thigh first. The decision for handball was subsequently overturned, a decision which many pundits felt was correct.
πΈ – NO PENALTY AFTER A VAR CHECK! pic.twitter.com/HntF3sJPzO
— ππ π ππππ π (@TheEuropeanLad) May 7, 2023
However, Newcastle fans were left fuming when Odegaard scored a stunning goal just minutes later, putting Arsenal ahead. The Toon Army took to social media to vent their frustration, with many feeling that they had been “stitched up” by VAR.
The controversy surrounding the penalty decision dominated the post-match discussion, with some fans feeling that the decision would have gone Newcastle’s way if roles were reversed. However, many fans also acknowledged that the VAR decision was correct.
Despite the frustration surrounding the penalty decision, Odegaard’s goal was widely praised for its quality. Gary Neville, on Sky Sports commentary, remarked that it was “the best way to silence a crowd” and praised the Arsenal players for their resilience in the face of a tough start to the game. Neville also noted that the goal was a “big moment in this game and a big moment in this title race”.
THAT MAN AGAIN! π₯
Martin Γdegaard with a brilliant strike to give Arsenal the lead pic.twitter.com/VKkedD2oem
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 7, 2023
Following Odegaard’s goal, Arsenal continued to apply pressure, with Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka both going close to adding a second goal. However, Newcastle held firm and prevented the Gunners from scoring again.
The result leaves Newcastle in a precarious position as they seek to qualify for the Champions League. Meanwhile, Arsenal will be hoping to build on their win and keep the pressure on Manchester City in the race for the Premier League title.
Overall, the match was an entertaining encounter that showcased the best of both teams. While the penalty controversy will undoubtedly dominate the post-match discussion, Odegaard’s goal was a reminder of the quality that Arsenal possess and their ability to turn a game on its head with a moment of brilliance.
