Newcastle United emerged from a battle with Arsenal with all three points.
In what has been billed by pundit Gary Neville as a huge moment for Eddie Howe, Anthony Gordon’s controversial goal proved enough to claim a statement victory.
Though it was somewhat short on quality, it was a hugely entertaining game to watch.
Indeed, there was a sense of bitterness throughout. Kai Havertz was perhaps fortunate to avoid a red card for a tackle on Sean Longstaff but Newcastle were not without their own luck.
Bruno Guimaraes appeared to leave one in on Jorginho just before the break. While it initially looked as if the Brazilian had elbowed the Italy international, replays showed he hit the Gunners midfielder with a high forearm.
Still, it was certainly a flashpoint and a red card would not have been the most outlandish outcome from the incident.
The fact that the 25-year-old and Declan Rice then had something of a shoving match only underlined just how ill-tempered things had become.
Luckily, Newcastle got to half-time with a full compliment of eleven players and were able to regroup.
Now, Howe has shared what his message to the midfielder was.
Bruno Guimaraes: What Eddie Howe told Newcastle star at half-time against Arsenal
Asked about the incident and what he said to Guimaraes at the interval by Dave Jones on Sky Sports, Howe said: “Well I think one of the big messages at half-time was really to keep eleven players on the pitch.
“But not lose our fighting spirit and our desire in those key moments. It’s always a balance but I thought we kept our heads really well in the game.”
Newcastle vs Arsenal: Guimaraes lucky – but was so Havertz
It was certainly a risky action from Guimaraes.
Still, the same thing could easily be said of Havertz. It was a game of tight decisions and, luckily, Newcastle won out.
Guimaraes plays on the edge but managed to toe the line in the eyes of referee. That is all that matters.
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