Newcastle United were very lucky to draw 1-1 with Bournemouth on Sunday.
The Magpies were able to rescue a point away to Bournemouth, with Anthony Gordon‘s second half goal cancelling out Marcus Tavernier’s opener.
However, it was not a good performance from Newcastle United. Aside from a good spell when they equalised, Eddie Howe’s side were poor, and it showed why Paul Mitchell is under pressure at Newcastle ahead of transfer deadline day.
Considering how the game transpired, a point will be seen as a good result – especially after what happened in stoppage time.
VAR saves Newcastle United in stoppage time against Bournemouth
After Newcastle had worked hard to make it 1-1, it looked like Bournemouth had snatched back victory.
Cherries substitute Dango Ouattara thought he had scored a winner, as he crashed the ball into the back following a Bournemouth corner.
It initially looked like it was a header, but replays showed it actually came of his shoulder – or maybe even his arm.
VAR determined that it was actually a handball, and the goal was chalked off. While the decision benefitted Newcastle United, it was extremely cruel on the home side.
Alan Shearer gives his verdict on Bournemouth 1 Newcastle 1
Following the disallowed goal, Bournemouth pressed for a winner, but were unable to score.
The game ended 1-1, as Newcastle pick up four points from their opening two Premier League games.
But, in the eyes of Toon legend Alan Shearer, the Magpies are very lucky to have that many points on the board.
Immediately after the full time whistle, he took to X (formally known as Twitter) to deliver his instant reaction to Bournemouth 1 Newcastle United 1.
He wrote on X: “A lucky point as that’s an awful decision re hand ball. Never hand ball for me.”
Newcastle got extremely lucky as referees continue to hog the headlines
Shearer is spot on. Newcastle were extremely lucky to draw, as there is no way that Ouattara’s goal should have been disallowed. It was never a handball, and the Magpies have got away with one.
It is the second week running that Newcastle United have been involved in a controversial decision.
But while this one benefitted the Magpies, last week it went against them.
Fabian Schar was sent off during Newcastle’s 1-0 win over Southampton for a ‘headbutt’ on Saints attacker Ben Brereton Diaz. The Chile international dramatically flung himself to the floor, and former referee Mike Dean admitted that Schar’s red card was harsh.
It forced Newcastle to play most of the game with 10 men, yet they were still able to start the season with a win.
It was a different story against Bournemouth, as the refereeing controversy went in Newcastle’s favour and handed them an undeserved point.
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