“He initiated contact” - England legend suggests Anthony Gordon dived to win penalty in Newcastle draw with Manchester City

England legend Stuart Pearce believes Anthony Gordon dove to win Newcastle United's penalty against Manchester City on Saturday, September 28. The Three Lions star was brought down just before the hour mark at St James' Park by Ederson Moraes. It gave the Magpies a chance back into the game following Josko Gvardiol's (35') opening goal.

The result saw the reigning champions drop points for just the second time in the Premier League this season. However, they hold on to first place until the other results come in. Pearce, who ended his career with Manchester City in 2002, was not impressed with the officiating that led to the result, telling talkSPORT:

“Brilliant through ball, but Gordon has taken three or four touches and never really got the ball where he wanted it to be. Played it wide, if I was at Stockley Park I’d overturn that. If you want to stop players diving in the modern game, you overturn that. He might turn around and say there was contact, but he initiated contact.”

Anthony Gordon has been with the Magpies since January 2023 when he joined from boyhood club Everton in a deal reportedly valued at €45.6 million. He has played 4800 minutes spread over 71 games scoring 15 goals and set up 11 others since then.

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Manchester City boss declared war on Premier League rivals

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola declared war on Premier League rivals Arsenal following their tense 2-2 draw with the north London side last weekend. The Gunners have been the closest rivals to the Manchester-based giants, pushing them in the race for the title over the previous two seasons.

Guardiola has been with Manchester City since 2016. He has led them to six Premier League titles, with the last four coming in the last four consecutive campaigns, among other honors.

Speaking to the press via GOAL, the Spanish tactician declared he was now focused on besting Mikel Arteta following their tense match, saying:

"You want a war? Now we war. Gabriel said it perfectly in the press after the match, so this is a war. We have to provoke the opponent, to push them, and at the end, what can you do? You provoke me, OK, I'm there."

Mikel Arteta began his career in management as the Barcelona legend's assistant at Machester City before bagging the job with the Gunners in 2019. He is yet to win the Premier League title and has one FA Cup and two Community Shield titles to his name after five years at the club.