The first three weeks of the Premier League season have been largely positive for Newcastle United.
Ahead of this weekend’s visit to Wolverhampton Wanderers, Eddie Howe’s men remain unbeaten in the league after claiming hard-earned home wins against Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur and battling to what many would consider to be a somewhat fortuitous draw at Bournemouth.
The latter of that trio of fixtures saw VAR come to the Magpies rescue as the officials at Stockley Park ruled out a late ‘goal’ from Cherries winger Dango Ouattara for a debatable handball after on-field referee David Coote had initially given goal.
Speaking after the game, Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola said: "We should have won the game. We have lost two points and I will complain, but nothing will happen. I'm not against the referee because he gave the goal and didn't even have the chance to go to the monitor and watch it. If he had the chance, I'm sure he would give the goal. I'm completely sure. But he doesn't have the chance. They always say it's a factual decision - it's not a factual decision. We watched the video; the ball goes very strong after touching the shoulder.”
Newcastle’s relief and Bournemouth’s anger was understandable - but what difference has that decision made to both club’s positions in the Premier League?
5. 16th: Everton - 7 points (+ 2 points)
Abdoulaye Doucouré's goal against Newcastle United was ruled out for offside just before the international break in a game that ended 0-0. | Getty Images
6. 15th: Leicester City - 8 points (+2 points)
Have had one goal given by VAR but it came in a game they lost 2-1 to Fulham. Did see a call go against them when Crystal Palace saw a goal given after an incorrect offside as the Foxes shared the spoils in 2-2 draw. Also saw Arsenal awarded a late goal but it made the scoreline 4-2 rather than 3-2. | Getty Images
7. 14th: West Ham - 8 points
No VAR overturns for the Hammers so far. | AFP via Getty Images
8. 13th: Manchester United - 9 points (+1 point)
The Red Devils would have likely picked up at least an extra point with a draw against Brighton should a Joshua Zirkzee goal have stood. Instead, it was ruled out for offside. | Getty Images