Richard Keys spot on with these comments about Arsenal and Newcastle United

As others have said in the past, it always feels a little strange when you find yourself agreeing with Richard Keys.

On this occasion he is definitely on the ball.

Indeed, Richard Keys actually standing out in a very positive way this time.

Considering how the rest of the media have pretty much totally ignored what happened on Sunday.

Richard Keys pointing out what happened at St James’ Park when Newcastle United took on Arsenal.

Richard Keys writing on his personal blog – 29 September 2025:

“Top marks to my title-tips Arsenal.

“I was critical last week but they were terrific at Newcastle.

“I’d have to say the match-winner Gabriel was lucky to be on the pitch when he scored mind you.

“He should’ve gone after punching Woltemade in the face in the first half.

“That was violent conduct, so it comes into VAR’s orbit, so what were they doing in the bunker? How didn’t they see it?”

It was astonishing, as Richard Keys says, that not only did the on-pitch referee Jarred Gillett not do anything (not see it?) when Gabriel assaulted Nick Woltemade, but then the VAR (Darren England) didn’t then step in and ensure that the Arsenal defender was red carded.

At the time, Newcastle United had just taken the lead and Gabriel left embarrassed and gutted that his dive to the ground when easily beaten by the United striker, hadn’t brought a soft free-kick and denied the goal.

Gabriel then assaulting Woltemade in the off the ball incident that should have seen Arsenal down to ten men. Which would have all but ensured a Newcastle victory, certainly ruling out a late Gabriel winner.

It was all very reminiscent of what Virgil van Dijk did in December 2024, assaulting Anthony Gordon off the ball in the penalty area, which should have seen a red card for the Liverpool defender and a penalty for Newcastle.

Newcastle 1 Arsenal 2 – Sunday 28 September 2025 4.30pm

(Stats via BBC Sport)

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Woltemade 34

Arsenal:

Merino 84, Gabriel 90+6

Possession was Newcastle 36% Arsenal 64%

Total shots were Newcastle 8 Arsenal 20

Shots on target were Newcastle 3 Arsenal 7

Corners were Newcastle 7 Arsenal 12

Touches in the box Newcastle 17 Arsenal 43

Newcastle team v Arsenal:

Pope, Livramento (Lascelles 77), Thiaw, Botman, Burn, Bruno, Joelinton (Barnes 94), Tonali, Gordon (Trippier 67), Woltemade (Osula 67), Murphy (Elanga 66)

Subs:

Ramsdale, Krafth, Willock, Miley

(Mikel Arteta manipulation of the media is now laid bare – Quite incredible – Read HERE)

(Newcastle 1 Arsenal 2 – Match ratings and comments on all Newcastle United players – Read HERE)

(Newcastle 1 Arsenal 2 – Instant Newcastle United fan/writer reaction – Read HERE)

Newcastle United fixtures (All of the Champions League matches will also be available to watch on TV in the UK):

Sunday 5 October– Newcastle v Forest (2pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 18 October – Brighton v Newcastle (3pm)

Tuesday 21st October: Newcastle United vs Benfica (8pm)

Saturday 25 October – Newcastle v Fulham (3pm)

Sunday 2 November – West Ham v Newcastle (2pm) Sky Sports

Wednesday 5th November: Newcastle United vs Athletic Club (8pm)