Southampton manager says one Newcastle United player went unpunished in 3-1 loss

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Newcastle United got back to winning ways by comfortably beating Southampton.

It feels like business as usual for Eddie Howe’s side who fought back from a goal down to win 3-1 at St Mary’s, putting their embarrassing loss to Bournemouth the week prior behind them.

Newcastle’s win against relegation-threatened Southampton moves them up to fifth in the Premier League table, ensuring they are firmly in the driver’s seat to play European football next season.

Alexander Isak was in top form once again, the 25-year-old scored a clever penalty before scoring a breathtaking second just four minutes later. Like many Newcastle fans, Alan Shearer was in awe of Isak’s quality in the win.

Sandro Tonali scored his first Premier League goal since his debut in 2023 to round off an emphatic win on the South Coast.

While Newcastle celebrate the three points, Saints boss Ivan Juric has commented on one moment during the game which he was not happy about.

Ivan Juric on Newcastle penalty decision

Before Newcastle were awarded the penalty, there was a lengthy VAR check which saw the referee Sam Barrott go to the pitchside monitor to make his decision.

Commentator Efan Ekoku said Newcastle were ‘gifted’ the penalty but replays showed that Joe Aribo clearly fouled Isak inside the area.

Post-match, Juric was asked by BBC Sport whether he agreed with the penalty decision.

“Watching now, I don’t think it was a penalty,” he said.

“Joe Aribo is in front of Isak. For me, it can never be a penalty. It should have been a foul for us because he was in front of the ball.”

Whether the penalty was given or not, it would not have been enough for the Saints due to Isak and Tonali’s goals coming from open play.

Newcastle embroiled in VAR controversy again

Howe’s side have had their fair share of VAR incidents this season. The Magpies have been on the receiving end of both good and bad decisions throughout the campaign.

Newcastle were denied a penalty against Tottenham when Anthony Gordon was fouled by Dejan Kulsevski in the penalty area which left him a bloody mess.

In the same game, Newcastle scored after the ball struck Joelinton’s hand. The incident caused Ian Wright to call for the Premier League to change the handball rules.

In Newcastle’s Carabao Cup win against Arsenal, Wright blasted VAR again when Isak looked to have fouled Martin Odegaard in the build-up.

Thankfully for Newcastle, VAR was on their side in the win against Southampton.