Newcastle United claimed a statement win over Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday evening.
Anthony Gordon’s controversial goal proved enough for Newcastle to end Arsenal’s unbeaten run and cap off what has been a fantastic week for the club.
After beating Manchester United to progress into the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, things couldn’t be going much better.
While a mounting injury crisis is a major concern of course, this team have proven there is little to fear no matter the opposition.
It was also a massive night for Eddie Howe. After seeing his team throw the game away against Liverpool at St James’ Park earlier this season, to beat a title contender on home soil felt like a huge moment.
Indeed, it was something Gary Neville picked up on.
Newcastle vs Arsenal: Gary Neville notices something from Eddie Howe
Speaking on Sky Sports, the pundit noticed a look of “desperation” on Howe’s face.
With the team sitting deep in the closing stages of the game, Neville said: “Newcastle are just getting bodies in the way… there is real desperation on Eddie Howe’s face, this is massive for him and a win would make it a brilliant week.”
Newcastle vs Arsenal: One of the biggest wins of Howe’s tenure
Newcastle have been very strong at home since the takeover but nothing feels quite as big as this, aside from thrashing Paris Saint-Germain.
The wins over Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United at St James’ Park last season came at a time when none of those big names were in particularly good form. Arsenal, however, were previously unbeaten and recently disposed of champions Manchester City.
To have claimed such a scalp is a major moment for this team. Down to the bare bones with so many injuries, it is a remarkable achievement to go on this run of form in such a competitive league.
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