VAR took center stage in three controversial incidents as Brentford beat Newcastle 3-2 in a dramatic Saturday Night Football fixture at St James’s Park.
Referee Andy Madrid caught the attention of St James’ Park with three penalty calls, two for Brentford and one for Newcastle, along with VAR’s John Brooks.
However, Keith Andrews’ side took three points and increased the pressure on Eddie Howe in the other dugout. Newcastle faced huge boos from their supporters at full-time.
The dramatic night at St James’ Park began when Kean Lewis-Potter appeared to be pulled back by Kieran Trippier as he scored 93 seconds later.
However, despite Brentford’s screams for a penalty and a red card, the Madrid referee ignored the claims. VAR Brooks was also involved for the second week in a row after Manchester United’s win over Fulham last weekend.
The decision was initially controversial, as Newcastle eventually took the lead through a goal from Sven Botman, before Newcastle headed in ahead from a returning Bruno Guimares corner kick.
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Sven Botman heads to Newcastle’s home opener!
But Brentford bounced back when Vitaly Janert, who had denied former Bees striker Yoan Wissa with a goal-line clearance minutes earlier, headed in Dango Ouattara’s superb cross to equalize.
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Brentford’s Vitaly Janert scores the equalizer against Newcastle!
And things got better for Brentford this time, with some help from VAR. Matthias Jensen’s shot on goal hit Jacob Murphy in the arm and referee Madrid pointed to the spot. VAR Brooks agreed with the call, even though Murphy’s arm was close to his body.
Newcastle were on the brink of a four-game winless streak in the top flight and were booed by their own fans for the first time at half-time, when Igor Thiago took the spot kick and scored his 17th Premier League goal of the season.
Newcastle dominated the second half and Howe responded to the pressure by bringing on Nick Woltemade and Anthony Elanga at half-time. And after intense pressure on Brentford’s goal, the equalizer was decided via VAR.
Guimarães aimed at Eranga’s cross from the left, but Guimarães missed the goal. However, VAR Brooks spotted a pullback from Newcastle captain Michael Keiode. Madrid were sent to the VAR monitor and awarded a penalty, with Guimarães sent off.
But there would be more to come as Ouattara burst into the penalty area and beat Nick Pope’s legs, turning the tide back in Brentford’s favor.
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Dango Ouattara puts Brentford ahead against Newcastle!
Newcastle were again booed loudly by their fans as they sit 10 points behind fifth-placed Chelsea, who hold the final Champions League spot for next season. He is currently in good shape with one win in eight games in all competitions.
Meanwhile, Brentford are in seventh place, level on points with Liverpool. What a great season Andrews is having.
Highlight: 3 big calls for VAR at Newcastle!
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If Brentford had been given a penalty against Newcastle for this challenge on Keane Lewis-Potter.
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Igor Thiago scores a home penalty after a handball from Murphy and Brentford take the lead!
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Bruno Guimarães converts from penalty spot after VAR review!
Howe: Fan booing is fine.
Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe told Sky Sports:
Regarding the booing at full-time, he said, “I don’t have a problem with the fans. It’s up to us to do better.”
Regarding the match, he said: “It’s very disappointing. It was a hard work day for us. Two physical teams hitting each other. We were ahead 2-2 and thought we would win the game. The third goal was a no-go.”
“That’s been the hallmark of some of our performances this season. When we’re in the lead, we’re not closing out games.
“I felt like we needed another impetus. I thought we were better (with the two changes). Other than the goal, I don’t think our defense was bad. We lost a little bit of confidence.”
What will this do for Howe and Newcastle?
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After the 3-2 defeat to Brentford at St James’ Park, manager Eddie Howe suggested Newcastle needed to “get back to basics” to find a way to win games, but reiterated his players had given their best effort despite individual mistakes.
Sam Blitz of Sky Sports:
“Now, what does this mean for Eddie Howe? Newcastle are in good form with one win in eight competitive matches.
“To be fair, that performance included the two games against Man City, as well as games against Liverpool, Aston Villa and PSG, but the defeat here put a real slump in their momentum.
“We have 13 games left in the Premier League and are 10 points adrift of fifth place, the last place in the Champions League.
“Eddie Howe has already raised questions about his future this week and with some, like Sandro Tonali, calling for Champions League football next season, further questions could arise.”
Andrews: I wanted to get a winner!
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Brentford midfielder Jordan Henderson was in disbelief after teammate Vitaly Janert was not awarded the man of the match award after the win against Newcastle.
Brentford head coach Keith Andrews told Sky Sports:
“I think it’s hard to put everything into perspective. There was a lot of drama and a lot of decisions went one way or the other. I take immense pride in the level of performance, the character. Whatever was thrown at us, we dealt with it. We needed to come to a place like this.”
“When you come here you know what the game is like when the crowd is pumped up. You have to focus on your game, you have to show character and courage when you have the ball and you have to go after them when you don’t have the ball and they did that very well.
“We scored a goal, we took the lead, we got a penalty and it was 2-2. And I wanted that to happen and I wanted to push to get back up and thankfully we got the winner.
“In the last two games we played against two different football clubs (Aston Villa and Newcastle), two different styles and two very good teams. I felt we were really calm throughout the game, which is really pleasing.”
