Newcastle will settle for a point at Bournemouth and perhaps feel very fortunate to do so following a controversial end to their comeback draw at the Vitality Stadium. The Magpies trailed on a Marcus Tavernier goal but had found themselves level through Anthony Gordon as they pushed for a winner.
It was Bournemouth instead who made it 2-1, but the goal was taken off the board as Dango Ouattara’s would-be winner was deemed to have struck too low below his shoulder and was deemed a “factual handball.” So the shirt-sleeve metric was clearly misunderstood by many, and Newcastle escapes with a point from a tense, tight affair on the south coast of England.
The Magpies managed to beat Southampton 1-0 on opening day despite a Fabian Schar red card, and the Swiss defender’s absence was felt as Bournemouth continuously pushed play and Eddie Howe’s men looked sluggish for large portions of the game at his longtime home. Bournemouth entered off an away draw with Nottingham Forest and will feel aggrieved to not have taken all three points on Sunday. Cherries boss Andoni Iraola was furious with the overturning of Ouattara’s goal and his comments should be worth the price of admission.
Newcastle started brightly but faded after 10 minutes or so as Bournemouth produced most of the danger in the first half. The Magpies trailed at the break and there’s no reason to say it wasn’t a deserved deficit. The traffic was two-way in the second half as Newcastle chased the equalizer and then both teams fought for a winner. Harvey Barnes was terrific on the wing and Joe Willock brought more creativity to the midfield while equaling Sean Longstaff’s effort. And the mix seemed to wake up Anthony Gordon after a poor first half.
But the fact remains that Bournemouth out-produced the Magpies, who were missing regular center back Fabian Schar through suspension, and could’ve won on multiple occasions. The biggest moment, of course, was the handball call that took Dango Ouattara’s stoppage-time winner off the board and left many — including this writer — re-evaluating their understanding of what represents the shirt sleeve in the rule book (It seems to be the shoulder muscle and not the cloth sleeve of a short-sleeve top.
Bournemouth vs Newcastle: A Match of Missed Opportunities
The match began with a flurry of activity from both sides, showcasing an intense and energetic start. Newcastle, hoping to build upon their opening day victory, seemed determined to take control early on. However, Bournemouth, celebrating their 125th anniversary, gradually gained momentum as the first half progressed. The Cherries’ relentless pressure ultimately paid off when Marcus Tavernier, taking advantage of a lapse in Newcastle's defense, slotted home a cross from Antoine Semenyo in the 37th minute.
Newcastle’s Comeback Bid
Newcastle, trailing at the break, regrouped and came out with renewed vigor in the second half. Eddie Howe’s men were clearly keen to equalize, and their efforts were rewarded when Anthony Gordon, a substitute for the second half, tapped in a cross from Harvey Barnes in the 77th minute. The goal, a result of Newcastle's increased possession and control, injected new life into the game, setting the stage for a thrilling finale.
The Controversial Decision and its Aftermath
Bournemouth, fueled by their desire to secure a victory on their special day, found themselves on the cusp of victory. As the clock ticked down, Dango Ouattara, another substitute for the second half, headed in a corner. However, the goal was subsequently ruled out following a VAR review that deemed it a handball. The call, which many, including this writer, found baffling, left Bournemouth players and fans in disbelief.
The decision sparked intense debate amongst fans and analysts, highlighting the complexities and potential for error in VAR technology. It also underlined the need for a clear and consistent understanding of the handball rule, particularly when it comes to the interpretation of the ‘shirt sleeve’ rule.
A Bitter Pill to Swallow for Bournemouth
Despite the controversy, it’s hard not to feel for Bournemouth. They were undoubtedly the better team on the day, dominating possession and creating numerous chances. Their performance reflected the quality and potential of Andoni Iraola’s squad. The manager, visibly frustrated by the VAR decision, was right to express his disappointment. The Cherries deserved more from the match, and will be left wondering what could have been.
Looking Ahead
Newcastle, while relieved to escape with a point, will need to improve their performance in subsequent games. The Magpies were far from their best, and their lack of composure at times was evident. However, they managed to secure a result, a sign of their resilience and ability to fight back. The draw, though not a win, will serve as a valuable learning experience as they continue to chase their ambitions in the Premier League.
As the season progresses, the rivalry between these two clubs will undoubtedly intensify. Both Bournemouth and Newcastle are teams with aspirations, and this fixture is set to be a recurring point of interest as they battle it out for points and positions.
A Day to Forget for Bournemouth?
While Bournemouth can take pride in their performance, the disappointment of the VAR call will linger. The team, and their fans, will be hoping to bounce back in their next game, a League Cup fixture against West Ham. The Cherries will also be looking to secure their first Premier League victory of the season when they travel to Everton next weekend.
