It looked like Elliot Anderson’s long wait for a senior Newcastle United goal had come to an end when he nodded home Alexander Isak’s cross at the City Ground. Unfortunately VAR had other ideas.
It was the biggest talking point from Newcastle’s 2-1 win away to Nottingham Forest on Friday night. Anderson‘s magnificent headed goal was chalked off after a lengthy VAR and pitch-side review, much to the bewilderment of literally everybody.
Newcastle got lucky in stoppage time, though when they were awarded a late penalty which was despatched by Isak. However, had that not happened, much more focus would have been on that contentious decision, and no doubt, Anderson wouldn’t have been so calm on his post-match Instagram post.
Longstaff took a different approach to his teammates replying to Anderson
The 20-year-old described as ‘brilliant‘ by former Magpie and Bristol Rovers boss, Joey Barton took to his Instagram to give his thoughts. The caption read: “Huge win from the boys man 🔥 gutted it hasn’t stood 🤷🏻♂️ lets carry this momentum on! ⚫️⚪️”
It’s also very, very likely that his teammate and fellow Geordie, Sean Longstaff wouldn’t have been so cocky with his reply. There were some excellent responses to Anderson’s post showing the togetherness in the squad with Bruno Guimaraes, Merhdad Ghodoussi and Nick Pope among those with words of encouragement for the youngster.
However, the pick of the bunch was Longy trolling his mate saying “Only geordies allowed to score are me and Burny 🤣” it even got a couple of laughing emojis from Ghodoussi.
Anderson might have earned his spot in the first team
Anderson brought something new to the Magpies attack when he replaced the ineffectual Allan Saint-Maximin at half time and deserved that goal. I don’t care how many times it is explained, I will never accept that decision.
At full-time, Eddie Howe told Sky Sports that Maxi was struggling with a hamstring injury which is why he was withdrawn at half-time. Whether it was down to the injury or what he had a shocking game and it looked like Graeme Jones and Jason Tindall were ready to run on the pitch and kick him up the behind.
If he is indeed injured, Howe must now decide if he gives Anderson a shot on that left flank or if Joelinton goes back into that spot. I think Anderson has earned his shot after last night’s showing, and he will be very hungry after being robbed.