Shields Gazette

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com

and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565

Visit Shots! now

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has given his view on a number of controversial incidents between Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United.

Newcastle United news: Headlines, team updates, match previews and reports - all things NUFC

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Shields Gazette, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

Eddie Howe’s side secured a fifth consecutive Premier League win with a 2-1 victory over Spurs on Saturday. An early goal from Dominic Solanke was quickly wiped out by Anthony Gordon before Alexander Isak netted for the seventh consecutive Premier League game to put his side ahead - a goal that would ultimately secure them all three points.

However, post-match, Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou revealed his frustrations over a number of calls made against his side, namely the decision not to award them a free-kick for a handball by Joelinton in the build-up to Gordon’s opener. Lucas Bergvall was the man who kicked the ball onto the Brazilian’s hand with appeals from Spurs for handball immediately following Gordon slamming the ball past Brandon Austin.

Speaking on Sky Sports Ref Watch, Gallagher delivered his verdict on the decision to allow Newcastle’s opener to stand, saying: “It’s the law. The law is ‘has he deliberately handled the ball?’. It didn’t lead to him scoring so it goes back to ‘is it deliberate?’

“If you look, his arm is down by his side, he can’t bring it in any further. It strikes him but is it deliberate? The referee says no and the VAR says no.

“Whether they like it or not, the rule says play on.”

He continued: “I think his arm starts in an unnatural position but you can see quite clearly that he brings his arm in. The rule has changed, don’t forget, that the rule originally was has it led to a goal in the build-up. People don’t like it but that’s the rule, he wasn’t the scorer.”

Gallagher was also asked his view on whether Dan Burn should have been shown a second yellow card by Andy Madley for handball on the halfway line. A free-kick was awarded to the hosts but because it was only a yellow card offence, VAR could not get involved and change Madley’s decision.

Gallagher, meanwhile, believed the referee made the right call anyway, stating: "Halfway line, handball, free-kick [no yellow card]."

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com

and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565

Visit Shots! now

Newcastle United will be without Bruno Guimaraes and Fabian Schar for Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup semi-final trip to Arsenal.

Newcastle United news: Headlines, team updates, match previews and reports - all things NUFC

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Shields Gazette, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

The first leg tie at the Emirates Stadium (8pm kick-off) sees Newcastle return to North London fresh from beating Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in the Premier League on Saturday. The Magpies have won six games in a row in all competitions but haven’t won at Arsenal since 2011.

Newcastle were without the suspended Fabian Schar for the match at Spurs and the defender remains banned against Arsenal having picked up a booking in the 3-1 Carabao Cup quarter-final win over Brentford last month. Bruno Guimaraes also picked up a booking in the match and will miss the match.

It’s a rare absence for the Brazilian, who has featured in every Newcastle match since his suspension against AFC Bournemouth in November 2023. Guimaraes has only missed seven matches since arriving at St James’ Park for £40million three years ago but Newcastle have failed to win any of them - they will be looking to end that run in the midfielder’s eighth absence.

Arsenal were interested in signing Guimaraes from Lyon before he agreed a long-term deal with Newcastle in 2022.

Following the win at Spurs, Guimaraes told NUFC TV: “It is very good for the confidence. I am a little bit sad that I will not be able to make the game but I will support the team as a Geordie now and hopefully we can get a good score because the first leg is very important for the second one.

“The confidence is higher, we are in a good moment so I am hopeful we can go there and get a win.”

Guimaraes was filmed singing ‘E I E I E I O! Up the Premier League we go’ with the Newcastle supporters following the full-time whistle at Spurs as he will now miss the following match.

Guimaraes and Schar will be back available for selection in Sunday’s FA Cup third-round clash against Bromley at St James’ Park. The Carabao Cup semi-final second leg will take place on February 5 (8pm kick-off).

Reflecting on Guimaraes and Schar’s semi-final bans, Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe said: “Bruno and Fabby are two massive players for us, very consistent performers so we're going to miss them massively but that's what the squad is for.

“It goes without saying you want your best players available for the biggest games but we just have to accept it. There's nothing we can do about it and we have to get other players ready to perform.”

Sven Botman has returned from an ACL injury after almost 10 months on the sidelines and will be in contention for the match at Arsenal despite going off with cramp in the closing stages of the win at Spurs.

Howe also admitted the quick turnaround and physically demanding festive period has taken a lot out of his players as he looks to keep energy levels high for the vital cup clash.

“That, of course, is something I am very aware of,” he said. “We went through a spell where we were very inconsistent in our performances so I made a conscious decision to try and be consistent with my team selection to give the best chance of getting consistent results.

“We’ve started to win games so I’ve been very reluctant to change things and unbalance what’s been working for us, and sometimes even within a game, I haven’t wanted to change the dynamic too much unless I feel like I absolutely have to.

“We need to assess how the players feel and we certainly need energetic players for Arsenal. It’s going to be a physical game and a very quick turnaround but it’s the same for Arsenal, if anything they’ve had a harder schedule in the last few days so let’s see how we feel.”

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com

and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565

Visit Shots! now

Newcastle United made it five wins in a row in the Premier League with a 2-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

Newcastle United news: Headlines, team updates, match previews and reports - all things NUFC

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Shields Gazette, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

Goals from Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak cancelled out Dominic Solanke’s early opener for Spurs as Newcastle cemented a spot in the top five to start 2025 - and here are five talking points from the game...

Botman returns

After more than nine months on the sidelines following ACL surgery, Sven Botman made his long-awaited return to first team action for Newcastle. It was a bold call from Eddie Howe to recall the Dutch defender straight back into the starting line-up.

And Newcastle got off to a shaky start with Botman beaten to the ball by Dominic Solanke who headed in Pedro Porro’s cross to give Spurs the lead inside four minutes. But Botman and his teammates quickly recovered to turn the game around.

Ultimately it was a welcome return for the 24-year-old, who made some important contributions in the match.

Reflecting on his decision to start Botman, Howe explained: “The thinking behind that is he has done the work and I wouldn’t play him unless I thought he was physically ready.

“He’s been very dedicated to his recovery, we’ve seen him put an extraordinary amount of work before he started training with us and he’s been training with us now for six weeks I think.

“He’s had three games and looked good in those games, of course he won’t be at his optimum level but that’ll come in the following months. But I thought he was physically and mentally ready to play. He was chomping at the bit to be involved again.

“It was a difficult start for him and the team when Tottenham scored but a great response. I thought he did very well today.”

Newcastle United score with their first shot on goal for the fifth successive match

Newcastle have developed a ruthless streak in front of goals when starting games with Anthony Gordon quickly drawing the away side level. For the fifth successive match, The Magpies opened the scoring with their first shot on goal.

After failing to even register a clean shot at Crystal Palace a little over a month ago, Newcastle’s attacking turnaround has been as impressive as it has been remarkable.

Sandro Tonali’s goal against Brentford, Isak’s openers against Ipswich Town and Manchester United and Anthony Gordon’s strikes against Aston Villa and now Spurs. This time was slightly different as it was an equalising goal to help Newcastle bounce back from a poor start rather than get off to a flyer as they had done in their previous games.

“I think that is the most pleasing thing from [the match],” Howe said. “How we reacted in that moment [to going behind].

“Scoring so quickly after they scored and then having the maturity and quality in our play to dominate that first-half in the way that we did is really good signs for the future, I think.”

VAR angers Tottenham

While Gordon’s goal quickly drew Newcastle level, Spurs felt it should not have stood due to a handball from Joelinton in the build-up to the goal. The players and bench protested and injured Tottenham defender Destiny Udogie even called VAR ‘a joke’ on social media following the decision.

But by the letter of the law, as Andy Madley did not blow for handball on field, VAR could not rule the goal out for handball. Joelinton also neither scored nor assisted the goal.

The Premier League Match Centre explained the decision to award the goal by stating: “The referee’s call of goal was confirmed by VAR, who checked for a potential handball by Joelinton in the build-up and deemed that his arm was by his side, in a natural position and the contact was accidental.”

Head coach Eddie Howe was open in admitting the ball hit Joelinton’s hand but he felt the officials were merely following the latest handball rules. Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou refused to reference the incident but suggested that the match was not played ‘on a fair and even playing ground’.

“Don't ask me about the [handball] decision,” Postecoglou said. “I have my opinions on it but we were outstanding today. I'm disappointed that it wasn't football that denied us getting our rewards today.

"You can talk about whatever you want. You want my opinion - if all things were equal and balanced we would have won.”

Alexander Isak equals Newcastle United record - can he go five further?

It was ultimately Newcastle who won the match thanks to Isak reacting quickly to skim in Jacob Murphy’s deflected cross into the bottom left corner of the goal. It was the seventh consecutive Premier League game Isak had found the net in, equalling a league record set by Alan Shearer in 1996.

Newcastle midfielder Joe Willock also scored in seven consecutive Premier League appearances back in 2021, though he was absent in two matches in that run. Isak still has a long way to go to break Jamie Vardy’s record of scoring in 11 successive Premier League matches set during Leicester City’s title-winning campaign back in 2015-16.

To beat that record, Isak would have to score in Newcastle’s upcoming league matches against Wolverhampton Wanderers, AFC Bournemouth, Southampton, Fulham and then away at Manchester City.

Newcastle United ‘injury’ substitutions explained

Gordon and Botman were forced off in the closing stages due to what was described by Howe as ‘legitimate injuries’ they picked up during the match. Gordon was left with a bloody nose after connecting with the shoulder of Dejan Kulusevski inside the penalty area before being withdrawn shortly after.

Botman was able to get through 90 minutes on his return before going down with cramp and limping off in stoppage time.

Explaining the ‘injury’ substitutions, Howe told The Gazette: “I don’t think it was anything more than cramp for Sven. Which was expected given the amount of time he’s been out.

“It was a great effort from him to last that long. We were unsure how long he would be able to go for, with the speed of the Premier League. But thankfully he got through the majority of the game.

“I think [Gordon] was just a cut. It was a nasty one, and he had blood all over him, so he did well to get back onto the pitch. Hopefully, it was nothing more than that though.”

Both players are expected to be available for Tuesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at Arsenal (8pm kick-off).

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com

and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565

Visit Shots! now

Newcastle United’s Rolls Royce is finally back.

Newcastle United news: Headlines, team updates, match previews and reports - all things NUFC

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Shields Gazette, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

He may have got off to a sputtering start at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after almost 10 months out for Newcastle United, but it didn’t take Sven Botman too long to show his class.

Once Eddie Howe declared Botman ‘available’ for the match at Spurs, he was always going to be hard-pressed to leave a player of his quality out of the side. Despite so long out, Botman has been training fully for six weeks and played three practice matches in preparation for his long-awaited return.

I was present for Botman’s first return to action for Newcastle Under-21s against Chelsea as he strolled through 60 minutes and kept a clean sheet. But this was quite different to a cold Monday night at Whitley Park!

Unlike last season, the risk of starting Botman after his serious ACL injury this time around was minimal. The Dutch defender has been back in the gym since the summer and has undergone a meticulous recovery process.

A minor illness over the festive period prevented Botman from returning on the bench at Manchester United on Monday. But in the days building up to the Spurs trip, Botman informed Howe that he was fit and ready to start on Saturday.

A shaky start for Sven Botman and Newcastle United

Botman came into the side in place of the suspended Fabian Schar, who will also miss the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at Arsenal on Tuesday night. The 24-year-old was coming into a defence that had not conceded in its last four Premier League outings.

But it took just four minutes for Spurs to break the deadlock and end that run of over 360 minutes without conceding. Dominic Solanke showed good movement to peel off Botman and head the hosts in front early on.

Some rust was expected from Botman and it was evident in the opening goal as he was caught on the back foot. The Dutch defender’s performance was initially shaky as he had to quickly get up to speed with the game.

Falling awkwardly on his left knee early on wouldn’t have helped proceedings as his passes were slightly hesitant and he was pulled out of position. But once Newcastle drew level through Anthony Gordon and gained some control of the match, Botman grew into things.

Newcastle United’s swift turnaround

An impressive block to deny Solanke’s edge-of-the-box effort after 10 minutes was the first positive action Botman had in the match, but it wouldn’t be the last. The Dutch centre-back quickly gained confidence and composure along with his team-mates in the game.

Only Bruno Guimaraes and Tino Livramento had more touches for Newcastle in the game than Botman, who made the most tackles and interceptions of any Magpies player. Botman had to dig deep, put his body on the line and get involved - it wasn’t like Newcastle’s recent wins that have largely been a stroll in the park for the defence.

Botman’s big strength as a defender is his ability to play the ball out and break the lines - something epitomised by his stunning 50-yard free-kick to release Jacob Murphy down the right at the end of the first half. Sadly it came to nothing.

After Alexander Isak put Newcastle in front, Botman was one of the reasons the scoreline remained 2-1 with an assured defensive display in the second half. A last-man challenge shortly after the restart cleared the danger after it initially looked like Newcastle had allowed Spurs to break clear.

As the fatigue started to set in in the closing stages, Botman was booked for a late challenge on James Maddison on the edge of the box - fortunately, it came to nothing. Eventually, the defender was substituted in stoppage time after going down with cramp.

Perhaps the most impressive and encouraging thing about Botman’s display was how he was able to get through 90 minutes of an incredibly physically and mentally demanding match.

Despite limping off, Botman has since declared himself available for Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg trip to Arsenal (8pm kick-off).

As his match sharpness and fitness improve with each passing game, Botman should prove himself a bigger and bigger asset to Eddie Howe and Newcastle United once again.

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com

and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565

Visit Shots! now

Newcastle United beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 on Saturday afternoon in a match both managers felt their side deserved to win.

Newcastle United news: Headlines, team updates, match previews and reports - all things NUFC

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Shields Gazette, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

Spurs took an early lead with Dominic Solanke scoring after just four minutes. But Newcastle quickly responded with Anthony Gordon drawing the visitors level just two minutes later.

The decision to allow Gordon’s goal infuriated Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou on the touchline as the ball hit the hand of Newcastle midfielder Joelinton in the build-up to the goal. The Brazilian’s hand was deemed to be in a natural position by VAR.

Alexander Isak made it 2-1 to Newcastle, who were able to hang on to their narrow lead until the end of the match and secure a sixth successive win.

After the match, Postecoglou felt his side deserved to take all three points and Newcastle won the match due to ‘unfair’ non-footballing reasons.

“It's a game we deserved to win and we should have won,” Postecoglou said. “On a fair and even playing ground we would have won the game.

“I'm disappointed that it wasn't football that denied us getting our rewards today. If all things were equal and balanced we would have won.”

When Postecoglou’s comments were put to Howe in his post-match press conference, the Newcastle head coach responded by stating his side did enough to see out the win after a strong first half display.

“I’ve just got to concentrate on us and Newcastle,” he said. “I’m just very proud of the effort the players put in.

“I thought we were dominant in the first-half today, it could or should have possibly been more [than two]. Yes, Tottenham played well in the second-half and they brought on some quality players that pushed up back at times but we did enough to get over the line.

“Scoring so quickly after they scored and then having the maturity and quality in our play to dominate that first-half in the way that we did is really good signs for the future, I think.”

Howe added: “It's never a perfect game, you're never going to have everything your own way. We certainly didn't today but we found a way to come back and get a magnificent win from our perspective so long may that continue.

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com

and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565

Visit Shots! now

Injured Tottenham Hotspur defender Destiny Udogie took to social media to voice his frustration during the 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United.

Newcastle United news: Headlines, team updates, match previews and reports - all things NUFC

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Shields Gazette, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

Newcastle came from behind to win 2-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with goals from Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak cancelling out Dominic Solanke’s early header. But it was Newcastle’s equaliser scored by Gordon that was a particular point of contention in the match.

The goal came about after Joelinton intercepted a pass from Lucas Bergvall before finding Bruno Guimaraes who slipped in Gordon to make it 1-1. But replays showed that the ball hit off Joelinton’s arm to win back possession of the ball.

The decision to let the goal stand angered the Spurs players and head coach Ange Postecoglou on the touchline. Meanwhile Udogie, who was watching the match on TNT Sports, took to social media platform Snapchat to post his thoughts.

“VAR, what a joke,” the 22-year-old left-back wrote.

VAR checked the goal and allowed it on the basis that Joelinton’s arm accidentally made contact with the ball in a natural position. As Joelinton neither scored nor assisted the goal, Spurs’ argument was weakened further.

Explaining the decision, the Premier League Match Centre stated: “The referee’s call of goal was confirmed by VAR, who checked for a potential handball by Joelinton in the build-up and deemed that his arm was by his side, in a natural position and the contact was accidental.”

And Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe felt VAR and the officials were simply following the rules.

“I can’t sit here and lie and say I haven’t seen it because I have,” Howe said. “It definitely hit Joelinton’s arm, I can give you that as well.

“But I’m not in control in the referee’s decision. I believe his arm is down in a natural position and I think the referee and VAR have followed the rules and protocols that are in place so that’s why it is given.”

A fifth successive Premier League win keeps Newcastle fifth in the table after 20 matches but they are now just one point behind Chelsea in fourth. Next up is the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at Arsenal on Tuesday night.

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com

and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565

Visit Shots! now

Anthony Gordon scored his fifth Premier League goal of the season as Newcastle United came from behind to beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1.

Newcastle United news: Headlines, team updates, match previews and reports - all things NUFC

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Shields Gazette, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

Dominic Solanke headed Spurs into an early lead at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before Gordon quickly drew Newcastle level after being slipped through by Bruno Guimaraes. Alexander Isak completed the comeback in the first half as The Magpies held on to claim a sixth successive win in all competitions.

Gordon was withdrawn after 78 minutes shortly after clashing with Dejan Kulusevski inside the penalty area. The England international went down holding his face with a bloody nose.

While Howe confirmed after the match Gordon was withdrawn due to a ‘legitimate injury’ it was later revealed to only be a ‘nasty cut’ to his nose rather than anything more serious. Gordon now has three goals and four assists in his last eight matches for Newcastle.

After the match, Gordon took to Instagram to post an image of himself celebrating his goal along with the caption: “Good away win.”

The win moves Newcastle to just one point off the top four and two points behind high-flying Nottingham Forest in third. But with Forest playing on Monday against Wolverhampton Wanderers, they could increase the gap back to five points.

With no match and Newcastle live on TNT Sports, two Nottingham Forest players watching the game were former Newcastle midfielder Elliot Anderson and Gordon’s England team-mate Morgan Gibbs-White.

Anderson, who is close friends with Gordon from their time at Newcastle, responded to Gordon’s post with two ‘flame emojis’ while Gibbs-White asked: “How’s that snoz [nose]?”

Gordon liked both replies as he impressed in front of new England manager Thomas Tuchel at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Premier League have revealed why Tottenham Hotspur were not given a penalty during their defeat to Newcastle United on Saturday.

Newcastle United news: Headlines, team updates, match previews and reports - all things NUFC

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Shields Gazette, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

Spurs went ahead very early on thanks to Dominic Solanke’s brilliant diving header. That goal marked the first that Martin Dubravka had conceded in the Premier League since replacing Nick Pope following his knee injury.

A swift reply from Anthony Gordon got the Magpies back on level terms before a strike from Alexander Isak put them ahead - a lead they would hold until the final whistle. Spurs’ search for an equaliser saw them threaten without testing Dubravka too often but they may feel aggrieved that they were not awarded a penalty just moments into the second half.

A VAR check for a potential handball by Tino Livramento took place but was swiftly concluded with no offence committed. The ball struck Livramento after ricocheting off one of his teammates but VAR deemed that a penalty should not be given.

As always, the PL Match Centre explained the decision on X, writing: ‘The referee’s call of no penalty for a potential handball by Livramento was checked and confirmed by VAR, deeming that the ball was played on to his arm by a teammate from close range, while his arm was in a natural position.’

That was the second time VAR had to check a handball during the match with Gordon’s goal also heavily scrutinised for a potential handball by Joelinton in the build-up. Again, VAR deemed that Joelinton’s hand on that occasion was in a ‘natural position’ and that the goal should stand.

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com

and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565

Visit Shots! now

Newcastle United secured their fifth Premier League win in a row with victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

Newcastle United news: Headlines, team updates, match previews and reports - all things NUFC

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Shields Gazette, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

Goals from Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak helped the Magpies on their way to victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium following Dominic Solanke’s early opener. Whilst not their very best display, Newcastle ensured they continued their good form at a venue that has seen them suffer a couple of heavy defeats in recent seasons.

Eddie Howe made two changes from their win over Manchester United at Old Trafford with Tino Livramento and Sven Botman coming into the back line to replace Kieran Trippier and the suspended Fabian Schar. As has been their key to success in recent weeks, Howe opted to name a midfield three of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton.

Guimaraes, as team captain, played an important role at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and won a number of fouls late on in the game to help his side keep their noses in front. Always one to react to matches on social media, taking to X post-match, Guimaraes wrote: ‘The smile of victory! What a team, what a performance. Proud of what we’re doing, NUFC. Onwards for more! Another assist. You’re such a lucky charm, vidoca.’

The Brazilian will be suspended for their Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium after picking up two bookings in the competition this season. Schar will also miss Tuesday’s match through suspension but both will be available for the visit of Bromley next weekend.

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com

and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565

Visit Shots! now

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Ange Postecoglou felt his side deserved to beat Newcastle United after a controversial equaliser scored by Anthony Gordon.

Newcastle United news: Headlines, team updates, match previews and reports - all things NUFC

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Shields Gazette, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

Spurs went ahead early on through Dominic Solanke’s header before first-half goals from Gordon and Alexander Isak saw Newcastle claim a 2-1 win. But Gordon’s equaliser was a source of contention in the match as the ball hit off Joelinton’s arm in the build-up to the goal.

The Premier League Match Centre explained the decision in a brief statement: “‘The referee’s call of goal was confirmed by VAR, who checked for a potential handball by Joelinton in the build-up and deemed that his arm was by his side, in a natural position and the contact was accidental.”

But Postecoglou was incensed on the touchline and was frustrated that his side did not win the match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. While he refused to talk about the handball decision, Postecoglou claimed his side were beaten for reasons other than football.

“Hugely proud of the lads,” he said. “Our football was outstanding against a very good opponent who are in a good place.

“It's a game we deserved to win and we should have won. On a fair and even playing ground we would have won the game.”

When asked about Gordon’s goal, Postecoglou responded: “ Don't ask me about the [handball] decision, I have my opinions on it but we were outstanding today. I'm disappointed that it wasn't football that denied us getting our rewards today.

"You can talk about whatever you want. You want my opinion - if all things were equal and balanced we would have won.

"We had plenty of chances. Our football was outstanding considering everything we're going through.

"If it was an even playing field we'd have won."

Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe was also asked about the decision on TNT Sports after the match.

"We had to dig deep today,” he said. “It was a tough win but a massive one.

"There's no denying the ball hit Joe's hand or arm but I'm not sure of the rules."

There were also calls for defender Dan Burn to be sent off for a second bookable offence but the defender remained on the pitch and put in an impressive defensive display.

"Not for me,” Howe responded when asked if Burn should have seen red. “I don't think he warranted two yellow cards. His yellow card probably was but after that were slight fouls."