Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola’s frustration was palpable as he repeatedly jabbed his upper arm, seemingly on the verge of punching himself in the face, after a late goal was disallowed in a thrilling match against Newcastle.
Substitute Dango Ouattara thought he had scored a winner in the third minute of injury time, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review deemed the ball had struck his arm. Iraola was adamant that the ball had come off Ouattara’s shoulder, but the referee and VAR officials disagreed.
The decision was based on a ‘factual handball’, with the ball deemed to have struck below Ouattara’s sleeve. While replays were inconclusive, many in the stadium expected the goal to stand, including Iraola.
Dango Ouattara thought he had scored a late winner for Bournemouth
But his goal was controversially ruled out after it was adjudged that it went in off his arm
Iraola was visibly upset, and his frustration was compounded by the fact that his team had been desperately unlucky not to win, while Newcastle were equally fortunate not to lose. The match had been a see-saw affair, with Bournemouth taking the lead through James Tavernier’s goal before Newcastle equalized through Anthony Gordon’s strike.
Anthony Gordon netted his first goal of the season from Harvey Barnes’s cross to earn Newcastle a point
The introduction of Kieran Trippier and Harvey Barnes in the second half had a significant impact on the game, with Barnes providing the assist for Gordon’s goal. Trippier’s presence also helped to shore up Newcastle’s defense, and his experience and quality were evident throughout the match.
Kieran Trippier’s introduction in the second half led to an improved display from Newcastle
In the end, the match finished 1-1, a fair reflection of a game that had ebbed and flowed throughout. While Iraola was left to rue what might have been, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe was relieved to have escaped with a point.
