BBC pundit 'breaks the studio' after moment in Newcastle vs Arsenal clash
Shay Given took his celebrations of Newcastle's opening goal against Arsenal too far while he was working on the BBC's Football Focus programme on Saturday afternoon
by Jacob Leeks · The MirrorShay Given has admitted to breaking the BBC's Football Focus set as he celebrated Alexander Isak's winning goal against Arsenal.
The Gunners travelled to Newcastle on Saturday lunchtime and quickly fell behind to Isak's header. The Swedish striker slipped away from Arsenal centre-backs William Saliba and Gabriel to head home Anthony Gordon's brilliant first-time cross from the right.
The goal sparked wild celebrations for the home fans at St James' Park, with Newcastle having not won a game in the Premier League since mid-September. But it was not only fans at the ground who were going mad.
Given spent 12 years at Newcastle as a player, making more than 450 appearances. And he clearly still holds affection for his former side if his reaction to Isak's goal is anything to go by.
Given was a guest on the BBC's Football Focus preview show on Saturday which was filmed live during the Newcastle game. Isak scored while the show was airing a feature, allowing Given to watch the match on a screen in the studio.
But when the programme returned, it was revealed that Given had taken his celebrations too far. The former Magpie admitted to kicking a table as he jumped up to celebrate, breaking a light in the process.
Given said: "I just kicked the table by mistake so apologies. Cover it in my expenses. Why did I do that? Well, because Isak has just against Arsenal, brilliant cross from Anthony Gordon, Isak header, top corner, 1-0 to the Toon. Howay."
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe was delighted to see his side finally end their top-flight winless run. He hailed his men for putting in a complete performance to claim a victory against one of the expected title challengers.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Who was man of the match as Newcastle beat Arsenal? Comment below.
"You have to be really strong mentality and know results will turn if you continue to do the right things. It has been a difficult week with the fixtures but the players have done really well," Howe told Match of the Day.
"There was a better feeling in training after the Chelsea win, as if pressure lifted slightly. Today's performance was built on hard, work, desire and a lot of really good defending in the second half. I thought we looked good.
"I wouldn't say it is a trademark goal for Alex but really pleased to see it. Anthony can give you that on his natural right hand side and it was a great ball. It was always going to take a moment like that as it was a game of few chances.
"It was 95 minutes of concentration and consistency in our attitude. We managed and controlled some very good players pretty well today. It's three points but it means so much because we hadn't won for a while in the Premier League. I'm sure it will do us the world of good."
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