The final whistle blew at St. James’ Park, but the controversy lingered long after Newcastle United’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea. While the match itself was a captivating back-and-forth battle, a series of contentious decisions left manager Eddie Howe visibly frustrated, and former Premier League goalkeeper Shay Given echoing his concerns.
Newcastle had surged into an early lead, Nick Woltemade striking twice to electrify the home crowd. But Chelsea, fueled by a determined spirit, clawed their way back into the contest. Captain Reece James unleashed a stunning free-kick, and Joao Pedro completed the comeback, silencing the passionate Newcastle faithful.
Howe immediately questioned the officiating, focusing on a clear penalty appeal when Anthony Gordon appeared to be unfairly challenged in the box. However, it was a challenge from Chelsea’s Alejandro Garnacho that truly ignited the debate, a moment Given described as “nasty” and “really dangerous.”
Given, analyzing the game on television, meticulously dissected the incident. He pointed out Garnacho’s reckless approach, emphasizing the complete lack of attempt to play the ball. Instead, the tackle was high and forceful, leaving Jacob Ramsey vulnerable. “If you watch it slowly,” Given explained, “he doesn’t make any attempt to play the ball, he goes over the top and clearly catches him really high up.”
The absence of VAR intervention was, in Given’s view, a critical error. He believed the tackle warranted a red card, and the fact that Garnacho escaped punishment was a significant oversight. It was a moment that could have drastically altered the course of the match, and the frustration was palpable.
Beyond the Garnacho challenge, the denied penalty loomed large. Given argued that the contact between Gordon and Trevoh Chalobah was undeniable. Chalobah made no genuine effort to play the ball, instead using his body and leg to impede Gordon’s progress. “I don’t think that’s a difficult decision; I think that’s a stonewall penalty,” Given asserted.
These weren’t isolated incidents, but rather a series of small moments that, collectively, felt like a turning point. Howe’s anger was understandable, Given suggested, because these marginal calls often define the outcome of closely contested Premier League matches.
The draw leaves Chelsea in a strong position, fourth in the league, but still trailing Arsenal. Newcastle, meanwhile, find themselves in mid-table, looking to build momentum. Both teams now turn their attention to upcoming challenges, with Chelsea facing Aston Villa and Newcastle traveling to Manchester United on Boxing Day.
