“In my honest opinion, I don’t not think. . . .”- Paul Merson claims Newcastle got lucky with major VAR error call Vs Ipswich
Newcastle United had to wait for their victory over Ipswich Town.
After Chelsea’s win over Everton on Saturday afternoon, Newcastle United briefly dropped out of the top five in the Premier League.
Still, Eddie Howe’s side made sure they returned to the top three with three points at St James’ Park.
Indeed, Newcastle beat Ipswich 3-0 on Saturday, getting back to winning ways after last weekend’s heavy defeat to Aston Villa.
The eventual scoreline doesn’t tell the whole story. Howe’s side did dominate proceedings but the Tractor Boys looked bright in the opening exchanges, while frustrating the hosts.
Newcastle did come close a couple of times but did not find a way through until Alexander Isak converted a penalty in first-half stoppage time.
While the hosts went on to win the game comfortably, pundit Paul Merson wasn’t happy with that particular decision.
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Paul Merson says Newcastle United got lucky against Ipswich
After Newcastle had seen a goal ruled out, one hit the bar and another effort cleared off the line, they finally made their breakthrough in the 49th minute
Isak stepped up from the spot after VAR had taken an age to award Newcastle the spot-kick.
Julio Enciso pulled the onrushing Jacob Murphy back in the box, with the video assistant referee calling for an on-pitch review.
Referee Michael Salisbury required a number of replays before giving Newcastle the penalty.
The Premier League’s official match centre tweeted: “VAR checked the referee’s call of no penalty to Newcastle United for a challenge by Enciso on Murphy – and deemed Enciso committed a pulling offence and recommended an on-field review. The referee overturned the original decision and awarded a penalty to Newcastle.”
Speaking on Sky Sports (15:48 on 26/04/2025), however, Merson said: “I do not think it is enough for a penalty.”
What do Newcastle need to qualify for the Champions League?
Last season, 68 points were enough to reach the Champions League.
The year prior to that, Newcastle secured qualification with 71. During the 2021-22 campaign, 70 points would have been enough.
While not an exact science, it seems upwards of 68 points would do the trick.
Currently on 62 points with two home games to come in the final four fixtures, Newcastle have to feel confident.
Having already won the Carabao Cup this season, Newcastle know how to handle life on the big occasion.
With top five rivals Chelsea still to come to St James’, it feels like Howe’s side are on the brink of a return to Europe’s top table.
