The away section of St James’ Park erupted in celebration after Gabriel Magalhaes’ last-gasp header completed Arsenal’s incredible comeback on Sunday afternoon, but many believed the Brazilian was fortunate not to give away a penalty in the 85th minute when Anthony Elanga’s cross collided with his arm in the box. It is now known why Jarred Gillett’s decision to not call a penalty was reviewed and affirmed by VAR.
Newcastle United’s summer signing Nick Woltemade soared highest in the Arsenal box in the 34th minute to give the home side the lead, before the north Londoners probed again in search of an equaliser. Mikel Merino scored with a well directed header from Declan Rice’s enticing cross, catching Nick Pope off guard.
In the 96th minute, Gabriel nodded the winner home. Alongside a sea of red shirts, the central defender wheeled away at the corner flag, shushing the crowd – but can he consider himself fortunate not to have given away a penalty ten minutes earlier? Those who support Newcastle will claim that he was, and the Premier League has already issued a comment on the event.
Why Gabriel’s Handball Didn’t Result in a Newcastle Penalty
After Arteta’s utility man Merino levelled the game for the Gunners six minutes before the final whistle, commotion erupted on the opposite end. Newcastle winger Elanga, attempting to cross the ball to his teammates, found himself pleading with Gillett after Gabriel handled the ball.
The referee, who had overruled an Arsenal penalty earlier in the vital match, dismissed arguments that Eddie Howe’s side should have been given the opportunity to reclaim their one-goal lead from the penalty spot. Those at Stockley Park were summoned, but they backed down after Gillett’s decision not to award a penalty kick.
That’s because the ball was deemed to have bounced off Gabriel’s shin and onto his arm, and despite his arm being in an unusual position, VAR determined that the Brazilian was unable to move his arm away. The Premier League Match Centre took to X (previously Twitter) to explain their decision:
“NEWARS – 85′.” The referee’s ruling of no penalty was reviewed and confirmed by VAR, with the ball determined to have bounced off Gabriel’s shin and onto his arm.”
Those associated with the hosts, from the Toon Army to Howe and Co, will be disappointed when the ball strikes Gabriel’s arm after Elanga attempted to find an open teammate in the middle. Arsenal fans will be overjoyed with the decision, especially since the defender went on to score the winning goal to conclude September on a high note.
Arteta and his team, who are presently two points behind table-toppers Liverpool, will welcome Olympiacos to the English capital in the Champions League. The Magpies will go to Belgium to face Union St. Gilloise in Europe’s premier championship.
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