The Premier League have explained 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 half to give Newcastle a 2-1 advantage before an extended VAR review.
Following a scoreless opening period at St James' Park, the match witnessed rapid-fire strikes at both ends, with Barnes opening the scoring in the 63rd minute before Ruben Dias' deflected effort levelled the score five minutes afterwards. Barnes then netted a second goal to restore the Magpies' lead in the 70th minute, though his strike necessitated a prolonged pause while the VAR official examined two elements.
The goal materialised when Nick Woltemade teed up Bruno Guimaraes at the far post, with the Brazilian's effort striking the crossbar.
The ball fell to Barnes, who controlled it expertly before firing it into the roof of the net from close range. As he celebrated, City's players protested to the official, believing it should be disallowed because Guimaraes was offside from Woltemade's header.
Former Newcastle defender Jonathan Woodgate shared that view. "I think Guimaraes is offside from the Woltemade header," he commented on BBC Radio 5 Live.
However, the referee ultimately signalled to the centre circle, triggering jubilation at St James' Park.
The Premier League Match Centre then clarified: "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 [Gianluigi] Donnarumma prior to the goal."
The statement included images demonstrating that Dias had actually kept Guimaraes onside with his shoulder. It proved a crucial decision, 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, with the Gunners due to face Tottenham in Sunday's north London derby.
It marked Eddie Howe's maiden Premier League triumph against City, relieving pressure with a vital result following the international break.
Newcastle have endured a tough season under Howe and had won just three Premier League matches ahead of the visit of City. But the north east giants showed they can compete with the best as they saw out the win to end the day in 14th position in the table.
The Magpies will head to France to take on Marseille in the Champions League on Tuesday evening, before returning to Premier League action at Everton next Saturday.