The Premier League delivered another dose of drama as Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur battled to a 2-2 draw at St James' Park. The match was filled with late twists, turns, and a controversial VAR decision that has sparked debate among pundits and fans alike.
Newcastle's Missed Opportunities
Newcastle, despite taking the lead twice, couldn't hold on for the victory. Eddie Howe's side has now dropped a league-high 11 points from winning positions this season. Howe lamented his team's inability to see out games, a stark contrast to their historical strength in managing tough situations. Had Newcastle held onto their leads against Spurs, Brentford, West Ham, and Arsenal, they would remarkably be at the top of the table.
Spurs' Resilience and Romero's Heroics
Tottenham, on the other hand, showed resilience, with captain Cristian Romero scoring a dramatic 95th-minute overhead kick to snatch a point. This late goal saved Spurs from a potentially painful defeat at St James' Park, a venue where they have suffered in recent years.
VAR Controversy: Redknapp Slams Penalty Decision
The major talking point of the match was the controversial penalty awarded to Newcastle late in the game. Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie Redknapp heavily criticised the decision, questioning the consistency of VAR. The penalty was given after Rodrigo Bentancur was penalised for a tussle with Dan Burn at a corner. Referee Thomas Bramall initially waved play on, but VAR intervened, recommending a pitch-side review that led to the penalty being awarded. Redknapp highlighted that Burn himself wasn't even complaining after the incident.
The draw leaves Newcastle in a disappointing 13th place, while Spurs will be relieved to escape with a point after a hard-fought encounter. The match serves as a reminder of the Premier League's unpredictable nature and the ever-present influence of VAR.
- Newcastle failed to hold onto their lead, dropping crucial points.
- Cristian Romero's late goal rescued a point for Tottenham.
- A controversial VAR penalty decision sparked outrage and debate.