Arsenal vs Newcastle: Keith Hackett explains why Nick Pope avoided red card for 'reckless' challenge
Nick Pope was correctly allowed to stay on the pitch despite calls for a red card during Arsenal's narrow win over Newcastle United.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that Samuel Barrott should be commended for his decision-making at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners reclaimed their spot at the top of the Premier League table on Saturday, 25 April, thanks to an Eberechi Eze winner in the ninth minute, but it could have been a much easier win.
In the 74th minute, Newcastle's goalkeeper came charging out of his area, and although he beat Viktor Gyokeres to the ball, he ended up slipping into the striker, with Arsenal fans wanting him sent off.
Samuel Barrott commended for his role in Arsenal vs Newcastle controversy
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: "When Pope charged out of his penalty area, taking out the Arsenal forward, at that point, the challenge is clearly reckless.
"What Barrott has to decide is the direction of play, the position of defenders, to determine whether or not this is the Denial of a Goalscoring Opportunity.
"His judgment was instant, and the yellow card came out straight away. It wasn't DOGSO because there was a covering defender. Well done to him."
| Nick Pope vs Arsenal | Stats [FotMob] |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Saves | 3 |
| Passing accuracy | 53% (17/32) |
| Recoveries | 9 |
| Touches | 44 |
Home supporters are likely to massively disagree with the decision, but with the Gunners able to hold out for all three points, it didn't have an overall impact on the result.
Mikel Arteta's side can't come through completely unscathed
While it was an important three points for the Gunners, returning to the top of the table, while Man City took on Southampton in the FA Cup, it was not an ideal game for the league leaders.
Arteta lost both Kai Havertz and Eberechi Eze to injury, with the former lasting just 34 minutes against the Magpies, and the manager needs all of his players available for the remaining few matches.
Pep Guardiola's side are likely to come back even stronger when they return to Premier League business, and their squad depth is just incredible, shown by their bench against the Saints this weekend.
The key stars came through the game without injury, but Arteta will be disappointed by those who were unable to finish the 90 minutes.