By Liam Grace

Copyright metro

Joe Hart says the correct decision was made despite Arsenal’s protests (Picture: BBC)

Joe Hart has revealed the real reason why Arsenal didn’t get a penalty for Newcastle’s Nick Pope appearing to hacking down Viktor Gyokeres.

Jarred Gillett initially awarded the Gunners a spot kick but VAR intervened with the referee then going over to the monitor and changing his decision.

Both Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and winger Bukayo Saka were left furious over the incident in their post-match interviews at St James’ Park, with the latter claiming that decisions always go against the Gunners.

But former Manchester City goalkeeper Hart has explained why the penalty wasn’t given as he analysed Pope bringing down Gyokeres in Arsenal’s win.

‘As Gyokeres went through, the immediate goalkeeper in me said, ‘I hope Pope got a touch on that, but I’m not 100 per cent sure’,’ Hart said on Match of the Day.

‘There’s definite contact. Pope, with those size 13 feet of his, gets a toe on it. Not only does he get a toe on it, he manages to divert the ball away from goal.

‘But that’s not the most important point. As Pope plants his foot, he’s deemed not to be using a forward motion towards Gyokeres.

Nick Pope was deemed ‘not to be using a forward motion’ (Picture: BBC)

‘Therefore, as Gyokeres’ knee clashes into Pope’s knee, it is just seen as a clash of bodies. It’s not Pope taking him out. It’s not a foul. Not a penalty.’

Speaking after the match, Arsenal winger Saka told Sky Sports: ‘The penalty, you know, for me, like if we have VAR for clear and obvious errors, and the fact that it took the ref that long to decide…

‘So it’s not a clear and obvious error, but it’s things like this, these little things that always go against us.

Metro at the Match: Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal

Metro at the Match returns to bring you all the analysis from the biggest games of the season.
Here are our team’s key takeaways from Arsenal’s dramatic win at St James’ Park:

Gabriel came to Arsenal’s rescue late on (Picture: Getty)

Super subs deliver again
Subs, replacements, finishers – call them what you want – but one thing is clear: Arsenal’s squad depth will be a vital tool in their bid to win the title this year. Gabriel Martinelli last week and Mikel Merino this around, Arteta’s second-half changes continue to get his side goals when they need them most. Ben Fleming, sports reporter
Was it a penalty?
Viktor Gyokeres was felled by Nick Pope and a penalty was given, but the Newcastle goalkeeper was saved by VAR as he got a slight touch on the ball. The decision remained debatable. Clear and obvious error? Surely not. Phil Haigh, sports reporter
Saliba benching raises eyebrows
Mikel Arteta’s team selection is back under the microscope after the benching of William Saliba on Sunday, particularly given the struggles of his replacement Cristhian Mosquera, who was hauled off at the break. Arteta said Saliba’s fitness still has to be managed – so why was he given the full 90 minutes against Port Vale in midweek? Ben Fleming, sports reporter

Woltemade scored his second goal for Newcastle (Picture: Getty)

Woltemade a new hero but Magpies still look blunt
Newcastle have struggled for goals so far this season and they weren’t exactly free-flowing in attack on Sunday. Nick Woltemade has made a decent start and the giant German is a threat in the air, but Magpies fans will be relishing the return to fitness of Yoane Wissa to spark some attacking verve. Phil Haigh, sports reporter
Exciting Eze continues to give Arteta a dilemma
Finally deployed in a central attacking position, Eberechi Eze was at least one bright spot for the Gunners. Martin Odegaard has made that position his own in recent years, but Arteta may soon be forced to consider if his captain is the best man for the job in the coveted No10 role. Ben Fleming, sports reporter
Thiaw looks a great addition
In a transfer window awash with sagas, Malick Thiaw arriving at Newcastle from AC Milan went under the radar. The defender was fantastic here, dealing with Gyokeres impressively. Physically imposing and technically good on the ball. Phil Haigh, sports reporter

‘But I think today, we got what we deserved for sure. I was speechless, man. But doesn’t matter now we won.’

Arsenal manager Arteta added: ‘Well, I watched it back and watched it live as well.

‘And if it’s not a clear and obvious error, VAR should not intervene.

‘We’ve been told this for a few years, this style of decision again, and for me, it’s very clear that it doesn’t have to intervene because it’s a penalty.’

Some football pundits were left ‘torn’ over the incident and felt it could’ve gone either way.

‘Gyokeres kicks it against Nick Pope’s feet… Pope has still blocked Viktor Gyokeres,’ Gary Neville opined.

‘Gyokeres touches the ball and then there is a touch and then he takes him down after that.

‘I’m definitely torn. Nick Pope does get a touch and that is usually the barometer for referees and goalkeepers and penalties.’