Arsenal star makes ‘top’ Newcastle United claim amid explosive Mikel Arteta verdict

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya says Newcastle United are “one of the top teams” in the Premier League but believes Eddie Howe’s side were fortunate to emerge as 1-0 winners on Saturday night.

Anthony Gordon’s 64th-minute goal handed the Magpies victory but it wasn’t without its controversy as VAR checked for the ball going out of play in the build up, a foul on Gabriel by Joelinton and an offside on the scorer Gordon.

The review from Stockley Park lasted five minutes but the goal stood. Gunners boss Mikel Arteta labelled the decision as an “absolute disgrace” and “embarrassing”.

Raya provided his own assessment after the match as he and his teammates tasted a league loss for the first time in 2023-24.

He said: “We’re really frustrated. The way we played, the way we competed, it was brilliant from everybody. We did what the gaffer asked us to do; win duels and get the ball up the pitch and everything, but decisions have taken a goal.

“What I could see was the ball went out of play, and then after going to the dressing room, looking back at the goal, it’s a big foul on Gabi. He’s pushing him with two hands on his back when he’s about to clear the ball.

“On the other hand, it could have been an offside position, that’s harder to see. But the ball out of play and the foul is a massive decision that’s just going to cost us some points.

“We defended very well. I don’t think they had a shot on target, we kept them very quiet, we defended very well, and I thought we played very well.

“We got into really good positions, we were positive, we were winning duels, we were competing against one of the top teams in the division, especially away from home - it’s a tough place to come. So, we are very happy with the performance but very frustrated with the result.”