Newcastle United delighted their fans as they handed Arsenal their first Premier League defeat of the season in a thrilling encounter at St James' Park. The home team emerged victorious after Antony Gordon scored the winning goal from close range, following a lengthy VAR check to confirm its validity.

The match was marked by contentious moments and intense physicality from both sides. Joelinton burst through the Arsenal defense, seemingly fouled by Takehiro Tomiyasu, before Jacob Murphy's low cross-shot found its way to Gordon. Joe Willock's efforts to keep the ball in play resulted in a cross to the back post, with Joelinton nodding the ball back across and Gordon prodding it into an empty net.

The use of VAR created confusion and frustration among fans as multiple checks were conducted for one incident. The goal was subjected to scrutiny to determine if the ball remained in play, if a foul had been committed by Joelinton, and if Gordon was in an offside position. After a four-minute delay, the goal was eventually awarded, concluding a baffling process.

This victory for Newcastle comes after their impressive dismantling of Manchester United four days earlier, further solidifying their form in the Premier League. The win will certainly boost their morale as they prepare to face Borussia Dortmund in the upcoming Champions League clash.

The clash between Newcastle and Arsenal showcased a battle of physicality in midfield. Both teams were cautious in their high pressing, capitalizing on misplaced passes and clumsy touches. The intensity spilled over on the touchline as Mikel Arteta and Newcastle assistant Jason Tindall engaged in a heated exchange, requiring intervention from the officials.

Arsenal demonstrated resilience in handling Newcastle's physical approach, with players like William Saliba and Declan Rice showcasing their athleticism and technical quality. Saliba's ability to navigate pressure provided Arsenal an escape route and contributed to their foothold in the game.

However, the match also exposed Arsenal's current struggle to create scoring opportunities. The absence of key attacking players like Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus was felt, leaving the team lacking creativity. Arteta and the Arsenal fans will be disappointed with the result, as well as their team's attacking limitations.

On the other hand, Anthony Gordon proved his versatility and ability to make a difference for Newcastle. Despite missing a couple of chances earlier in the game, Gordon's positional shift to striker proved fruitful. His movement and runs created space for his teammates, ultimately leading to his game-winning goal.

In conclusion, Newcastle United's victory over Arsenal adds another impressive result to their recent successes. The match was marred by VAR controversies but showcased the intensity and physicality of both teams. While Arsenal coped well with Newcastle's physical approach, their attacking struggles persist. Meanwhile, Anthony Gordon's adaptability paid off as he secured the decisive goal for Newcastle.