Newcastle United are absolutely flying right now.
Indeed, Eddie Howe’s side made it three Premier League wins on the bounce on Boxing Day, running out 3-0 winners over Aston Villa in their latest statement display.
Newcastle were brilliant from the get-go against Unai Emery’s side and opened the scoring through a wonderful strike from Anthony Gordon.
READ MORE: Newcastle United player ratings vs Aston Villa!
Jhon Duran was then sent off for Villa before second-half goals from Alexander Isak and Joelinton put the gloss on the scoreline.
Isak had had another ruled out by VAR, while the same can be said of Bruno Guimaraes’ tap-in.
It was a pretty feisty game at St James’ Park and VAR was called upon a number of times. Jason Tindall, meanwhile, was sent off for a clash with one of Villa’s backroom staff.
Newcastle obviously deserved their win but club legend Alan Shearer has offered a perhaps surprising assessment of one particular flashpoint.
Alan Shearer suggests Newcastle got lucky with VAR call against Aston Villa
Duran’s dismissal came when the striker was adjudged to have stamped on Fabian Schar following a clash between the two.
The striker was handed a straight red card and VAR did not overturn the decision, with Duran furious.
Speaking to BBC Radio Five Live at 5:17pm GMT on 26/12/2024, Shearer suggested it was a harsh decision.
“I thought it was slightly harsh,” he said.
“When you’re travelling at that much speed how can you be certain that he’s got nowhere else to put his foot.
“Once the referee has given the red there was no way they were going to overturn it.”
Newcastle fans mocked Jhon Duran after his red card
Duran was visibly angry at the decision and booted a water bottle away when remonstrating with the fourth official.
As you can imagine, Newcastle fans were delighted at seeing that.
Sections of the support chanted “Who are ya?” as he made his way down the tunnel.
Controversial red card or not, Newcastle were more than good value for what is another huge victory.
Roll on the trip to Manchester United next week…
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