Arsenal told the referee made a major error during Newcastle United defeat that cost the Gunners

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Arsenal were convincingly beaten by Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup semi-final.

The Gunners had already lost the first leg 2-0 at the Emirates. The game at St James’ Park became much more difficult as a result, and the home side got the job done.

Eddie Howe targeted William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, and that tactic worked brilliantly. Alexander Isak was a nightmare for the two Arsenal defenders.

Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon’s goals sealed the game for the Magpies in the end, but Jason Cundy has spotted something that nobody else is talking about.

Jason Cundy says referee made a mistake during Arsenal’s defeat to Newcastle

Arsenal were second-best from start to finish against Newcastle.

It looked like most of Mikel Arteta’s players were exhausted and just couldn’t compete with the energy Howe’s men brought to the game.

However, despite that, Arsenal had a golden opportunity to take control of the fixture. Martin Odegaard got the ball inside the box in the first half, but his shot hit the post and went out of play.

Murphy scored at the other end of the pitch less than a minute later, and the game was done at that point.

However, Cundy believes that referee Simon Hooper made an error before Newcastle scored the all-important first goal of the game.

He said on talkSPORT: “Do you know what? There’s a really heavy challenge that went on Martinelli at the edge of the box. It’s a foul, it’s actually a quite nasty foul, probably a booking.

“And the ball manages to find its way to Odegaard. He allows the play to go on which is the right thing to do, Simon Hooper, then he has the shot, Odegaard, hits the post and goes wide.

“I think the referee could bring the game back.

“We’re only talking less than three seconds – foul, flies away to Odegaard, hits the post. I would bring it back, personally.”

What actually happened before Newcastle’s goal and did the referee make a mistake?

Before the ball made its way to Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli was fouled at the edge of the box.

Toon defender Dan Burn came sliding in, missed the ball, and caught the Brazilian on his foot. It was a clear foul and could’ve well been a yellow card.

But, the referee did exactly what he had to do.

Odegaard was given the advantage, and the Arsenal captain missed his chance. Bringing the game back after Odegaard missed would’ve been unfair on Newcastle.

Arsenal have had several refereeing decisions go against them this season, but Hooper made no error in the game at St James’ Park.

Arsenal can have no complaints – Newcastle deservedly won the game.