Joe Willock, former Arsenal player, reportedly informed his old teammates that the ball had gone out of play leading up to Anthony Gordon's contentious goal.

Controversial Winner

Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon secured the winning goal as his team defeated Arsenal at St. James' Park on November 4.

The goal was subject to a four-minute VAR check, which examined three potential infringements.

One of the factors scrutinized was whether Joe Willock had managed to keep the ball in play before delivering the cross into the box.

Arteta's Outrage

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his dissatisfaction with the match officials, labeling the decision to award the goal as "a disgrace."

Arteta faced charges from the FA due to his comments, but those charges were subsequently dropped.

New Information Emerges

An investigation into the incident has uncovered that Joe Willock informed his former Arsenal teammates that the ball had indeed gone out of play.

Willock had slid to prevent the ball from going out before delivering the cross that resulted in Joelinton's header, setting up Gordon's goal.

It is believed that the Arsenal players then relayed this information to Arteta, further fueling his sense of injustice and frustration.

Arteta's Previous Grievances

Arteta was already displeased with the decision not to disallow the goal for offside or a foul committed by Joelinton, following the extensive VAR review.

Willock had spent 17 years with Arsenal before joining Newcastle in 2021, having scored 11 goals in 78 appearances for the Gunners.