19 hours ago
35
The Premier League was compelled to explain why Harvey Barnes' second strike for Newcastle against Manchester City was permitted to stand.
Barnes smashed the ball into the roof of the net during the second period to give Newcastle a 2-1 advantage before an extended VAR review. Following a scoreless opening 45 minutes at St James' Park, the game witnessed rapid-fire strikes at both ends, with Barnes breaking the deadlock in the 63rd minute before Ruben Dias' deflected effort restored parity for the visitors five minutes afterwards.
Barnes then netted his second to restore the Magpies' lead in the 70th minute, though his strike necessitated a prolonged pause whilst the VAR official examined two elements. The goal materialized when Nick Woltemade nodded down towards the far post for Bruno Guimaraes, whose effort cannoned off the crossbar.
The ball fell to Barnes, who controlled expertly before firing into the roof of the net from close quarters. As he wheeled away in celebration, City's players protested to the official, believing the goal should be disallowed because Guimaraes was in an offside position from Woltemade's header.
Former Newcastle centre-back Jonathan Woodgate shared that view.
"I think Guimaraes is offside from the Woltemade header," he commented on BBC Radio 5 Live, reports the Mirror.
One supporter posted on social media: "What happened to the lines? Bruno surely offside there!"
However, the referee ultimately signalled toward the center circle, triggering jubilant scenes at St James' Park - and a clarification from the Premier League Match Centre.
It read, "The referee's call of goal was checked and confirmed by VAR – with both Guimaraes and Barnes in onside positions in the build-up. The VAR also checked and confirmed the referee's call of no foul on Donnarumma prior to the goal."
The statement included images demonstrating that Dias had actually kept Guimaraes onside with his shoulder positioning.
It proved a pivotal moment, as Newcastle held firm against late pressure to secure a 2-1 victory over City.
The outcome left City in third place in the Premier League, trailing leaders Arsenal by four points ahead of Sunday's north London derby against Tottenham.
The triumph also marked Eddie Howe's maiden victory against City, delivering a crucial result following the international break that helped relieve mounting pressure on the manager.
English (US) ·