There were some big moments for the referee to deal with as Eddie Howe's side recorded an important 2-1 win over Man City
Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes speaks to Man City boss Pep Guardiola, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma argues with referee Sam Barrott (top right), and then with United assistant manager Jason Tindal (bottom)
Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes speaks to Man City boss Pep Guardiola, City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma argues with referee Sam Barrott (top right), and then with United assistant manager Jason Tindal
View Image
Newcastle United send a defiant message to their Premier League critics with an excellent performance in Saturday evening's 2-1 win over Manchester City at St James' Park.
Eddie Howe's side were back to their high energy best, and thoroughly deserved the three points earned thanks to Harvey Barnes' second-half double.
It was an entertaining game with chances at both ends, with Nick Woltemade and Barnes seeing opportunities go begging, while Erling Haaland couldn't make the most of his chances, and Nick Pope showed again why he is Newcastle's No 1.
The game was not without its controversial moments though, and City boss Pep Guardiola was furious at the final whistle, remonstrating with the referee Sam Barrott and Newcastle stars Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes, something he later played down in his post-match Press conference.
The visitors felt they could have had at least one penalty, although referee Barrott and VAR were unmoved, while United's winner saw City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma booked for his protests. Did they have a case? Here, we review the big talking points from the game.
Yellow card mystery
Nick Woltemade is getting used to being man-handled by Premier League defences, but there wasn't a person inside St James' Park who didn't expect City defender Josko Gvardiol to be booked after hauling the big German to the ground in the first half.
Referee Barrot instead just gave him a talking to after awarding the easiest free-kick decision of the night.
Chronicle says: There will never be a more clearer booking, and while it may not have have a huge impact on the game, City's Croatian would have had to be careful to avoid a second yellow. In fairness, the referee was consistent, and several United players - we're looking at you Joelinton - could have been booked earlier too. Referees are rightly criticised for being too card happy, but Gvardiol was very lucky.
Schar challenge
Phil Foden found space in the box but fired wide when under pressure from Newcastle defender Fabian Schar. The Swiss star was too late to stop the shot, but a few City players claimed that his follow-through had caught Foden and therefore they should have been awarded a penalty.
The referee was unmoved and following a VAR check, they agreed with his decision not to award a spot-kick.
Chronicle says: If you're going to start giving these then we will have a lot of penalties. There is an argument that you would get the free-kick in any other area of the pitch, but you simply don't see these given. Schar makes an honest attempt to block the shot and makes minimal contact with Foden, although as both players in full flow, it looks a much stronger challenge. The referee and VAR were right to ignore these appeals.
Handball claim
Jeremy Doku was Man City's main threat in the first half and caused United a few problems just before the break. He burst into the box but saw his shot cannon back off Malick Thiaw as United held firm.
City appealed for a penalty as the ball had hit the German's hand, but again the referee was not interested.
Chronicle says: No chance. The shot was so close to Thiaw that he had little time to alter his stance, and would have hit his body after his hands, which were only up in protection. Never a penalty, no matter what Wayne Rooney says.
Livramento pullback
Again Doku was at the centre of this one, just seconds after ther handball appeal. He looked to get free in the box and it appeared as though Tino Livramento had tried to pull him back, but nothing was given.
Chronicle says: The fact that it was only Doku who appealed for this one tells you everything. Livramento did put a hand on his shoulder but swiftly removed it without really impeding the Belgian, who had lost control of the ball anyway. Right call again.
Barnes winner appeal
Newcastle responded instantly to Ruben Dias' equaliser by retaking the lead through Harvey Barnes' second goal of the night. The United No 11 was on hand to turn the ball home after Bruno Guimaraes' header came back off the bar following a recycled corner.
The protests focused on two issues, whether Gianluigi Donnarumma was impeded at the first corner kick and whether Guimaraes was offside when Nick Woltemade headed the ball back across goal.
Chronicle says: What was all that fuss about? Barnes and Donnarumma do collide as the ball is played in for the initial corner, but there's no foul, just a coming together. The fact it was Barnes who wins the ball back on the edge of the box to feed Jacob Murphy who then crosses for Woltemade, shows how much time had elapsed between the bump and United's goal.
VAR confirmed Bruno was onside - by the smallest of margins but nevertheless onside - and so that immediately nullifies any complaints.