Arsenal held as defiant Newcastle make their point

Arsenal’s Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka (C) attempts a shot past Newcastle United’s English goalkeeper Nick Pope (L) during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium in London on January 3, 2023. (Photo by Ben Stansall / AFP)

Mikel Arteta complained that Arsenal had been denied two “scandalous penalties” as the Premier League leaders were held to a bruising 0-0 draw by Newcastle on Tuesday.

Arteta was furious that Arsenal failed in their appeal for a spot-kick in the final seconds of stoppage-time after Jacob Murphy used his arm to block a cross in the penalty area.

The Gunners boss also complained that Dan Burn was guilty of a shirt pull on Arsenal defender Gabriel in the area earlier in the second half.

Both incidents would have been harsh on Newcastle if a penalty had been awarded, but Arteta was convinced Arsenal had been robbed.

“Extremely proud of my players. The way we played, dominated the game. We had so many situations. And then had two scandalous penalties,” Arteta said.

“There were two penalties. It’s very simple. I’m talking about what I’ve seen. It was two scandalous penalties.”

Of the second penalty call, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe added: “Obviously at that stage of the game you’re thinking ‘god no, the lads have given so much’ and that would have been a travesty for us.

“I didn’t think it was a penalty but you just never know.”

Arsenal inevitably felt a touch of frustration at missing the chance to move 10 points clear of second placed Manchester City ahead of the champions’ game in hand at Chelsea on Thursday.

It was the first time in six games — and only the second in their last 11 — that Arsenal failed to take maximum points.

Yet there was little to