BBC pundit Shay Given's celebration 'breaks studio' after Newcastle score in Arsenal clash
by Jacob Leeks · ChronicleLiveShay Given, the former Newcastle United stalwart, got a bit too carried away while on BBC's Football Focus set as he witnessed Alexander Isak's decisive goal against Arsenal. The Gunners found themselves trailing after Isak outjumped defenders William Saliba and Gabriel to nod in an exquisite cross from Anthony Gordon.
This marked a moment of exultation for the St James' Park crowd, ending their wait for a win that extended since mid-September. Given, who holds over 450 appearances for the Magpies across 12 years, was naturally elated by his former team's performance.
Caught up in the thrill while being present on the Football Focus programme during the live Newcastle match, Given couldn't contain his joy when Isak scored, leading to accidental studio damage. The ex-goalkeeper confessed to breaking a light on the set due to kicking a table in a burst of jubilation, quipping about fixing it with his expenses and exclaiming: "I just kicked the table by mistake so apologies. Cover it in my expenses. Why did I do that? 1-0 to the Toon. Howay."
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe was over the moon after his team secured their first Premier League win in quite a while, commending his squad for delivering a top-notch performance against one of the teams tipped to be in the title race. "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 reflected during his post-match interview on Match of the Day.
Get all the latest TV and showbiz news and gossip from Chronicle Live with our free newsletter
Following an essential win over Chelsea, he spoke about the uplift in team morale: "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.", reports the Mirror.
He also expressed his contentment about a particular play: "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.
Summing up the game, Howe emphasised the mental resilience required: "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."
Join our WhatsApp communities
ChronicleLive is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our communities.
We have a number of communities to join, so you can choose which one you want to be part of and we'll send you the latest news direct to your phone. You could even join them all!
To join you need to have WhatsApp on your device. All you need to do is choose which community you want to join, click on the link and press 'join community'.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the ChronicleLive team.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.
If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
If you’re curious, you can read our privacy notice.
Join the ChronicleLive Breaking News and Top Stories community
Join our Court & Crime community
Join the Things to do in Newcastle and the North East community
Join our Northumberland community
Join our County Durham community
Join our Great North Run community