Fabricio Coloccini own-goal gives Gunners victory after Aleksandar Mitrovic red card
Arsenal have picked up a vital win away at Newcastle United today thanks to an own-goal from centre-back Fabricio Coloccini.
However, all eyes will be on match official Andre Marriner, who has come under heavy scrutiny from the home fans at St James’ Park for sending off new summer signing Aleksandar Mitrovic.
The big forward was dismissed after a poor challenge on Francis Coquelin, with the Serbian’s boot scraping down the Frenchman’s leg.
Marriner didn’t hesitate and immediately brandished the red card, putting the hosts down to 10-men.
After the red card, the home fans and the Newcastle players visibly lost their cool and their heads with some rash challenges following which further lead to Marriner diving into his pockets to book players.
Despite the man advantage, Arsenal couldn’t find the breakthrough, and after Theo Walcott missed two glorious opportunities, it looked like Arsene Wenger‘s men would be resigned to another 0-0 result.
However, in the second-half after constant pressure, the ball fell to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the box who drove a ball goalwards, before seeing it deflect off Coloccini and into the back of the net.
After taking the lead, Arsenal calmed the game down and played keep ball for the majority of the second-half, with the extra-man showing during the final stages.
The three points give Wenger‘s side seven points from four games, whilst Steve McClaren is still waiting for his first win in the Premier League as Newcastle boss.
Match Reaction
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger on BT Sport: “We were always on top. We were mature and intelligent and the win was important so maybe we were a bit cautious.
“They toughened the game up, they decided from the start to make it very physical but we kept our nerve.
“We are out there and working on it (signings). I am optimistic but it is difficult to predict. We have offensive potential but you always want more and more goalscorers. We have not fired offensively, our finishing has been clinical and have to improve on that.”
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger on BBC Sport: Â “It was not the ideal game for Walcott, he likes space but there was not a lot of space for him.
“The activity will be there in the transfer market, will it be efficient? I can’t predict.”
Newcastle boss Steve McClaren on BT Sport :Â “It was a harsh red card. It was more clumsy and he stood on his foot. I just felt early on there were too many yellows and it was a rod for the referee’s back.
“Our boys young and innocent, they don’t fall down easy, we felt we were a victim to that.
“All we could do is show spirit and fight and there were magnificent. What a crowd as well.”
Newcastle boss Steve McClaren on BBC Sport: “I have seen the red card over and over and it clumsy, there was no intent and it wasn’t malicious.
“There has hardly been a tackle in the game.”
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt
