VAR told they made a huge error during Tottenham vs Newcastle United separate to Joelinton handball

Newcastle United’s clash with Tottenham Hotspur was filled with drama and moments that will spark debate for days. The Magpies entered the match riding a wave of confidence, having secured five consecutive victories across all competitions.

With their European ambitions firmly in focus, Eddie Howe’s side seemed poised to take advantage of a Spurs lineup hampered by an injury crisis. However, the match delivered unexpected twists and contentious moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

The game began disastrously for Newcastle as Dominic Solanke found the back of the net within the opening four minutes. It marked the first Premier League goal conceded by Martin Dubravka this season, ending his streak of four consecutive clean sheets.

The early setback was a blow to the visitors, but they responded swiftly with an equaliser that became a lightning rod for controversy. Replays showed the ball had made contact with Joelinton’s arm in the buildup before Anthony Gordon slotted it home to level the score just two minutes after Spurs’ opener. Despite protests, the goal stood, fueling further debate about the interpretation of handball rules.

Newcastle’s resilience shone through as Alexander Isak put them ahead before halftime, completing a remarkable turnaround. The Swedish forward’s composure in front of goal underscored why he remains such a key asset for the Magpies.

With the lead secured, Newcastle shifted their focus to managing the game, but a contentious moment in the second half threatened to alter the outcome entirely.

Midway through the second half, Anthony Gordon found himself at the center of yet another critical incident. As he weaved his way into Tottenham’s penalty area, he collided with Dejan Kulusevski in a challenge that left the Newcastle winger bloodied and on the ground.

Despite visible appeals for a penalty from Newcastle players and supporters, the referee waved play on, and VAR upheld the on-field decision after a brief review. The incident drew sharp criticism from pundits, including former Liverpool and Aston Villa defender Stephen Warnock, who described it as a clear penalty, citing the forceful nature of Kulusevski’s challenge.

Gordon’s gritty performance earned admiration, particularly with England head coach Thomas Tuchel watching from the stands. However, the winger’s evening ended prematurely in the 78th minute when he was substituted, possibly due to the effects of the earlier collision.

Whether the decision was tactical or precautionary remained unclear, but his departure highlighted the physical toll of the encounter.

The final stages of the match brought fresh concerns for Newcastle, as Sven Botman, returning to the starting lineup after a 10-month absence, appeared to suffer a setback. The Dutch defender, who had impressed throughout the game, went down during stoppage time clutching his leg.

Although initial commentary suggested cramp, the sight of Botman limping off sparked anxiety among fans and the coaching staff alike. Howe opted to replace him with Lloyd Kelly to see out the game, and all eyes will now be on updates regarding Botman’s condition, given his importance to the team.

Despite the challenges, Newcastle held firm to secure their fifth consecutive Premier League victory. The win showcased the team’s determination and ability to overcome adversity, reinforcing their credentials as a force to be reckoned with in the league.

The result also highlighted the depth and resilience of Howe’s squad, as they navigated key moments and battled through injuries to claim a crucial three points.

Tottenham, meanwhile, will rue missed opportunities and questionable decisions that contributed to their defeat. For Spurs fans, the game underscored the impact of their ongoing injury struggles and the fine margins that often define matches at the highest level. Newcastle’s ability to capitalize on their chances and maintain composure under pressure proved decisive, leaving Tottenham searching for answers as they look to regain form.

As the dust settles, the match will likely continue to fuel debates about officiating decisions and the application of VAR. For Newcastle, the focus shifts to maintaining momentum and addressing any fitness concerns ahead of their next challenge.

With their European aspirations firmly within reach, the Magpies will aim to build on this hard-fought victory and continue their impressive run of form.