Newcastle United have benefited from VAR

Newcastle United have certainly been helped by VAR this season despite the heavy criticism this new technology has received in England.

Prior to the implementation of VAR in the Premier League, former Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez constantly raved about how necessary it was, especially for teams outside the top six. Well, Benitez’s wish came true, but he did not stick around to experience the introduction of VAR in the top flight.

Many managers and pundits have already compiled a long list of complaints about some of the decisions VAR has overturned or let stand, as well as how it negatively impacts the flow of the game. For Newcastle United, VAR has aided the club in avoiding some penalties and allowing goals to stand. That being said, let’s take a look at the three major moments where VAR stepped in and helped Steve Bruce’s side.

Tottenham vs. Newcastle United: No Penalty

Newcastle United were up 1-0 against Tottenham in the 77th minute when Harry Kane ran inside the penalty area chasing a pass, but he went down after feeling some contact from Jamaal Lascelles. Kane was one step ahead of Lascelles, but the Magpies’ skipper started losing his balance. He did slightly touch Kane as he went down, however, the contact was minimal and Kane, who was ahead, could have kept his balance to finish the play.

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 25: Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur goes down under a challenge by Jamaal Lascelles of Newcastle United and they asked for a review via VAR during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 25, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

Instead, England’s top striker went down rather quickly and fell on top of Lascelles. After a minute-long review, it was determined that the original call of “no penalty” should stand. As a result, the Magpies stunned Tottenham to claim their first victory of the season.

Newcastle United vs. Watford: Goal

Newcastle United hosted Watford before the international break and the game ended in a 1-1 draw. There was some controversy among a few pundits after the game who felt that VAR should have overturned the goal scored by Fabian Schar in the 41st minute. Emil Krafth delivered a curling cross into the penalty area and Isaac Hayden got up nod the ball down, which then landed perfectly for Schar to take the shot.

When Hayden clashed with a defender in mid-air, the ball came down and slightly hit his wrist. VAR reviewed the goal, as they do with any goal, and saw nothing wrong with how the ball landed to Schar. As a result of allowing that goal to stand, Newcastle United were able to take a point away from that game.

Liverpool vs. Newcastle United: No Penalty

Newcastle United enjoyed a short-lived lead against Liverpool last weekend before Sadio Mane scored the equalizer in the 28th minute, however, the Reds’ equalizer could have came three minutes earlier. During a Liverpool corner kick, but Jamaal Lascelles pulled Joel Matip down by his shoulders during an aerial battle.

Next. Joelinton must lead the way for Newcastle against Brighton. dark

VAR was put to the test behind the scenes without interrupting the flow of the game, but 30 seconds later it was determined that the decision for “no penalty” would stand. Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool players and most pundits disagree with that decision. In my personal opinion, I agree that a penalty should have been given, but VAR worked in favor of the Magpies.