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?
17. 4th: Chelsea - 14 points
Chelsea are also yet to be impacted by a VAR decision this campaign. Although VAR did check a Man City goal on the opening weekend, before agreeing with the on-field call. | Getty Images
18. 3rd: Arsenal - 17 points
VAR overturned a decision for the first time in an Arsenal game last weekend as Kai Havertz's 99th minute goal was given after an incorrect offside. | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
19. Manchester City - 17 points
VAR has got involved just once for Man City this season when a penalty was awarded for a foul by Leif Davis on Savinho during their comfortable 4-1 win over Ipswich Town. The penalty was scored by Erling Haaland to draw the hosts level but the overall outcome would have likely resulted in a City win as they went on to score three more goals. | Getty Images
20. 1st: Liverpool - 18 points
VAR chalked off Trent Alexander-Arnold's goal in Liverpool's 3-0 win over Manchester United for an offside by Mo Salah. Didn't impact the result in the end, however. Bournemouth also had an early goal ruled out against the Reds for an offside against Antoine Semenyo but Liverpool went on to claim a 3-0 victory. | Getty Images