Sky Sports pundit seriously surprised by VAR call as West Ham get ‘very lucky’ against Newcastle

Add as preferred source on Google

Newcastle United were brought crashing back down to earth on Monday night.

Indeed, after three consecutive victories, Eddie Howe’s side fell to a 2-0 defeat at home to West Ham.

It was a bitterly disappointing night for Newcastle and the result leaves them in tenth position in the Premier League table.

Howe’s side wasted a number of good chances and could not recover after the Hammers bagged their second. By the end of the game, Newcastle looked out of ideas.

Still, things could have been different.

While Newcastle were 2-0 down at the time, Callum Wilson was denied a penalty by VAR after a challenge from Konstantinos Mavropanos was looked at but the on-field decision calling no foul stood.

To suggest Newcastle were absolutely robbed on the night would perhaps be too much but that was a big call and it would not have been much of a surprise to have seen it given.

In fact, Sky Sports pundit Andy Hinchcliffe was shocked Newcastle did not get a spot-kick.

West Ham told they’re “very lucky” after VAR denies Newcastle a penalty

Speaking during the broadcaster’s coverage of the match, Hinchcliffe said: “Konstantinos Mavropanos got himself into a terrible position. He clearly plays the man, and not the ball. He’s very lucky to escape if he does.”

Newcastle now dealt fresh setback

Newcastle can only put so much blame on the penalty, even if they can probably feel hard done by.

Not many of Howe’s players impressed on the night and it’s the latest setback in a frustrating season thus far. Consistency remains an issue.

Having built up a head of steam, Newcastle face a big task in trying to get back on track.

They travel to Crystal Palace on Saturday for a game you wouldn’t confidently suggest they’ll win before Liverpool come to St James’ Park next week.

The next few games are not favourable for Newcastle and they desperately need to improve.