Arsenal have closed the gap to Liverpool at the top of the Premier League after they battled back against Newcastle on Sunday afternoon
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Mikel Arteta wears his heart on his sleeve on the touchline – he jumps for every header, kicks every ball and wants every decision.
He’s an emotional manager, and that can often trickle down onto the pitch to his players. It’s not a bad thing to play with heart, but there were times, on Sunday afternoon, when the Gunners played with their heart over their heads.
Arteta threw the kitchen sink at the game, after clawing his way back into it, the emotion Arsenal showed now was almost one of anger. Hitting back at their critics from last weekend after not pushing for a winner against Manchester City.
And the winner would come from Gabriel – perhaps the most emotionally charged player of the lot.
Arsenal felt like it was them against the world from the opening exchanges when VAR overturned a penalty – with referee Jarred Gillet announcing: “After review, the Newcastle goalkeeper plays the ball and there is no foul. The final decision is drop ball.”
The Gunners were furious, and every small decision was being met with anger from their players. And there was more fury after Nick Woltemade headed the Magpies ahead.
Gabriel felt he had been fouled and charged to remonstrate with the referee – and from kick off he was charged straight towards Woltemade and stuck his arm into his chest.
Every little decision was being met with fury – and fans started to notice it online: “Arsenal are soooo emotional they’ll never be serious just play the game!”
“Arsenal players are soft and Newcastle knows that. They bully Arsenal every time. Once they start to get emotional they can’t play,” a second said.
While a third added: “If Arsenal players can just calm down, they can win this match. Don’t be emotional!” And another added: “Where is the mentality lads, Was that push really enough to put Big Gabbie down?”
More to follow
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