Eddie Howe, Manager of Newcastle United
Eddie Howe highlighted three decisions after the match
Eddie Howe was left furious with the officials after Newcastle held Premier League leaders Liverpool to a hugely entertaining 3-3 draw at St James’ Park.
Caoimhin Kelleher's error gifted Fabian Schar a 90th-minute equaliser for the home side, but they felt it could have been even better. Referee Andy Madley blew the full-time whistle when Newcastle were in the midst of a promising counter-attack with Aleksandar Isak on the ball.
Newcastle were also unhappy with two potentially game-changing decisions that went in Liverpool’s favour. Firstly, VAR decided not to take action against Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, who collided with Anthony Gordon in the box in the first half.
Jarell Quansah also escaped punishment for appearing to trip Isak in the penalty area in the second half. “I thought it was a penalty on Alex, but I haven’t seen a replay, that was just an initial thought,” said Howe.
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“I was surprised by the final whistle because I think we’d spent around two minutes on a free-kick in extra-time, so I was expecting seven minutes to be played. I think it was 5.15 when he’s blown, so that was a blow because it looked like we were in a good position.
“Then, I think VAR looked at (the Van Dijk and Gordon incident) and concluded nothing happened, so we have to accept it. I was surprised by it initially though.”
Howe was also irritated by the behaviour of his counterpart Arne Slot, who headed to the referee’s room after the full-time whistle to speak to Madley, whose decision to book Alexis Mac Allister will see him suspended for the Merseyside Derby on Saturday. Howe said: "I don't think I'll go there. I think that's a can of worms. I tend to focus on my team."
Newcastle were furious with Andy Madley for blowing the whistle when they were on the attack
Newcastle went in front via a piledriver from Isak before Mohamed Salah turned the game in Liverpool’s favour by setting up Curtis Jones to make it 1-1. Gordon put the Magpies 2-1 up before Salah netted twice to continue his stunning form and give the away side the lead.
Schar’s brilliant finish from Bruno Guimaraes’ deep free-kick gave Newcastle a deserved point, leaving Howe to conclude: “It’s mixed emotions. Part of me feels we should have won it, a big part of me, but part of me is pleased we didn’t lose either because it was such a late goal for us.
“Generally, I’m just pleased with the performance. There was much more attacking output, a much better feel about the team. There was much better energy, and it was a really good performance against, for me, the best team we’ve played so far this season in the Premier League. So, it was a big jump forward for us.”
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