Arsenal had a penalty ruled out against Newcastle during their 2-1 win on Sunday afternoon at St James’ Park. 

Mikel Arteta will be delighted as his side managed to snatch all three points against Newcastle United on Sunday after Gabriel scored a late winner to make it 2-1 following earlier goals from Nick Woltemade and Mikel Merino.

As Liverpool lost to Crystal Palace, Arsenal are now just two points away from last years’ champions, and back in the hunt for their first league title since the 2003/04 season.

However, during the game, it looked as though things weren’t going Arsenal’s way after they were initially given a penalty by referee Jarred Gillett after Nick Pope brought down Viktor Gyokeres in the box when he was through on goal. The penalty was ruled out by VAR however, which sparked fury from Arteta. The Arsenal boss complained about the decision in his post-match interview.

He said: “For me it was a penalty, I’ve been instructed very clearly that unless it’s a clear and obvious error, the VAR is not going to intervene, and it’s not.”

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka also spoke after the game on the decision. He said: “If we have VAR, it’s for a clear and obvious error, the fact that it’s taken the ref that long to decide shows it’s not a clear and obvious error, it’s things like this, the little things that always go against us.” – But were they right to complain?

Jay Bothroyd backs up Arteta and Saka’s penalty complaints

Amid the complaints from Arteta and Saka about the decision, former Premier League striker Jay Bothroyd appeared on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch alongside former referee Dermot Gallagher, who said that VAR got the decision right.

Bothroyd agreed with Saka and Arteta however, as he said that the challenge was “definitely” a penalty, and it should have stood. He said: “That’s definitely a penalty, he’s [Pope] touched the ball ever so slightly.

“If he doesn’t kick Gyokeres, then he’s going to go around the keeper and put it in the back of the net. He’s obviously stopped him from getting to the ball, there might have been the slightest touch, but it’s not enough to say it’s not a penalty, it’s still a penalty. Everyone thought that was a penalty, that’s a talking point.”

Click here to see Arsenal’s full first team squad after their crucial win against Newcastle.