Gary Neville's double VAR verdict on Newcastle vs Arsenal after controversial decisions

Gary Neville has given his verdict on two controversial decisions that were made during Arsenal's win over Newcastle United in the Premier League.

The Gunners claimed a 2-1 victory at St James' Park thanks to late goals from Mikel Merino and Gabriel Magalhaes. Nick Woltemade had put the Magpies in front in the first half, only for Arsenal to get all three points with two goals in the final minutes of the game.

Woltemade's opening goal was met with controversy when some Arsenal players wanted the goal disallowed for a potential foul by the Newcastle striker on Gabriel.

David Raya and Gabriel appealed to referee Jarred Gillett after replays revealed Woltemade appeared to have shoved the Arsenal defender. Following a VAR check, it was deemed that there was minimal contact from Woltemade and the goal was allowed to stand, reports the Mirror.

Neville, commentating on Sky Sports, explained why he believes the right decision was made to allow the goal to stand.

"It's a big, big goal from a big, big man! Arsenal are complaining about a push," said Neville. "Raya went crazy. It's two hands from Woltemade on the back of Gabriel. It's a little touch. Not enough in it.

"VAR say minimal contact - and I agree with them. A really clear line from VAR, saying: 'A little touch in the back does not make Gabriel go down like he does'. I think they got that one right."

The controversy wasn't the first occasion which demanded VAR intervention. Earlier in the first half, Arsenal were awarded a penalty after Viktor Gyokeres was caught inside the area by Nick Pope.

The decision was reversed after several replays, with Gillet explaining to the stadium why the decision was overturned. "After review, the Newcastle goalkeeper plays the ball and there is no foul," Gillet said. "The final decision is drop ball."

Neville admitted to have mixed views about the incident and why he was not sure whether the correct decision was made in the end.

"Pope came out and committed," Neville said. "Gyokeres was very close to the goalkeeper and nicked it past him. It looked like a clear penalty. It's knee on knee."

After seeing the subsequent replay, he added: "Gyokeres touches the ball, then there's a touch [from Pope] and he bring him down after that. I'm a little torn, to be honest."

He added: "I mean Gyokeres kicks it against Pope's feet. Pope has still blocked Gyokeres. Pope is the most relieved man in the stadium."

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