VAR dominated a controversial Saturday night at St James’ Park as Brentford beat Newcastle 3-2 in a dramatic contest refereed by Andy Madley with John Brooks on VAR. Three penalty incidents — two awarded to Brentford and one to Newcastle — swung the game and left Eddie Howe under fresh pressure as Newcastle’s fans loudly booed at half-time and full-time.
The match burst into life after 93 seconds when Keane Lewis-Potter looked to be tugged back by Kieran Trippier as he broke through, but Madley and VAR Brooks declined Newcastle’s appeals. Newcastle then took the lead when Sven Botman headed home from a Bruno Guimarães corner.
Brentford responded through Vitaly Janelt, who headed in a superb Dango Ouattara cross, after having earlier cleared a Yoane Wissa effort off the line. The momentum shifted further when Mathias Jensen’s shot struck Jacob Murphy’s arm; Madley pointed to the spot after a VAR check and Igor Thiago calmly converted, his 17th Premier League goal, giving Brentford a 2-1 lead at the interval.
Howe brought on Nick Woltemade and Anthony Elanga at half-time and Newcastle dominated the second half. Elanga’s cross set up a chance that Guimarães missed, but VAR spotted Michael Kayode pulling back Guimarães — Madley reviewed on the monitor and awarded a penalty, which Bruno Guimarães converted to level the game 2-2.
The drama was not over. Ouattara tore into the box to drive the decisive goal through Nick Pope’s legs, restoring Brentford’s lead and ultimately securing a 3-2 victory.
Newcastle sit a worrying ten points behind fifth-placed Chelsea and are now one win in eight across all competitions. Howe admitted disappointment but defended the players, saying he had “no issue” with the fans’ reaction and that the squad must “deliver better,” while acknowledging a loss of belief at key moments. Sky Sports’ Sam Blitz noted the result deepens concerns over Howe’s side as the push for Champions League places wanes with 13 Premier League games left.
Brentford head coach Keith Andrews praised his players’ character and calmness under pressure, saying the team dealt well with everything thrown at them and that he wanted them to push for the winner. The Bees move into seventh, level on points with Liverpool, with Ouattara named Player of the Match after a standout performance.
Key moments:
– 1-0: Sven Botman (Newcastle) header from corner
– 1-1: Vitaly Janelt header (assist Dango Ouattara)
– 1-2: Igor Thiago penalty (handball by Jacob Murphy)
– 2-2: Bruno Guimarães penalty (foul by Michael Kayode after VAR review)
– 2-3: Dango Ouattara finish through Nick Pope’s legs
Referee: Andy Madley. VAR: John Brooks.
Player of the Match: Dango Ouattara.