Liverpool’s lead at the top of the Premier League was reduced to seven points after a 3-3 draw with Newcastle United on Wednesday night at St James’ Park. The Reds had started the game with a nine-point advantage over both Arsenal and Chelsea, but after the London clubs secured victories over Manchester United and Southampton, Liverpool’s lead was cut down by two points.
The match saw plenty of twists. Alexander Isak gave Newcastle the lead with a thunderous strike in the first half, before Curtis Jones leveled for Liverpool. Anthony Gordon then restored Newcastle’s advantage, but Mohamed Salah’s brace appeared to have handed the visitors a valuable win. However, in the dying moments, Newcastle equalized when Fabian Schar converted from a tight angle after Caoimhin Kelleher misjudged a cross, allowing the ball to fall to Schar.
With five minutes of stoppage time added, Liverpool pushed for a winner, and they were convinced they should have been awarded a penalty when Alexis Mac Allister’s shot hit Dan Burn’s arm. Referee Andy Madley gave a corner instead, and VAR was called in to review the incident. Burn had one arm tucked into his body while the other was raised, and the ball struck the elbow closest to his body, which was judged to be in a natural position. A statement from the Premier League’s Match Centre later confirmed that VAR had upheld the referee’s decision, stating, “The referee’s call of no penalty for a potential handball by Burn is checked and confirmed by VAR, deeming that his arm was tucked into the body.”
