Keith Hackett re-analyses Newcastle penalty vs Southampton from latest footage
Newcastle were correctly awarded a penalty as they came from behind to win beat Southampton at St Mary’s, Keith Hackett has said.
The Magpies made the long trip south on Saturday (25 January) looking to overcome the frustrations of their thrashing by Bournemouth the previous weekend.
Things did not start well for Eddie Howe’s side though, with Jan Bednarek heading the hosts in front with just ten minutes on the clock.
Newcastle equalised just over 15 minutes later when Alexander Isak fired in from the penalty spot, and Hackett has praised VAR for the decision to award that spot-kick to the Magpies.
Newcastle penalty was correctly awarded at Southampton – Hackett
The visitors were given a penalty after Isak chased a ball into the penalty area to the byline, where he then went down under a sliding challenge from Joe Aribo.
Referee Sam Barrott initially believed that the Southampton man had made contact with the ball, and awarded a corner to Newcastle.
However, on review by VAR, it was determined that the Saint players had not touched the ball, instead only bringing down Isak, leading to a penalty being awarded.
Hackett has now identified this as being an example of where VAR can work and be correctly used in the Premier League.
When asked if it was the right decision to award Newcastle a penalty, the former referee told Football Insider:
“I think this is actaully a good use of VAR. I think there’s no question that the angle the referee’s got is not the greatest.
“When you actually have this view then I think there’s every right for a penalty kick to be awarded. It’s a careless challenge, I don’t know why defenders make them.
“They stick a leg out, and the player going forward’s going to buy it. That’s exactly what they’re doing, you and I know that so therefore I think it’s about the elements of how you coach players when they’re challenging, and when to challenge for the ball.
“It’s a high risk when you go in, stick a foot, in this situation the player goes down.”
Isak then put his side in front moments later following an excellent assist from Jacob Murphy, before Sandro Tonali sealed a 3-1 win for Newcastle in the second half.
Howe’s side are now fifth in the Premier League table, while Southampton remain rooted to the bottom of the standings.
In other news, Newcastle are readying a transfer offer with club officials spotted in Italy.
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