A VAR check for a possible handball by Martinez in the box only heightened the excitement, but the officials at Stockley Park rightly dismissed the visitors’ fervent protests, as the ball had ricocheted off the captain’s body before touching his arm.
The Reds faced relentless pressure from the Magpies, yet United found opportunities to counterattack. Martinez executed a precise free-kick from deep, which Dalot deftly redirected to set up a one-on-one with Ramsdale. Unfortunately, the defender’s shot sailed over the bar, and he may have been marginally offside anyway.
Newcastle launched a barrage of attacks, creating chaos in the six-yard box and producing attempts from Joelinton and others from distance. However, United remained steadfast in defense as the game approached its last 10 minutes, even with Shaw and Martinez leaving the pitch.
The onslaught continued until the referee blew the final whistle, which came after seven minutes of stoppage time. Nevertheless, the Reds’ defense held firm, with a late claim by Lammens celebrated like a goal within the Theatre of Dreams.
It had been a challenging and at times chaotic half for Amorim’s depleted squad, but they did everything required to maintain their narrow lead and secure vital three points in the Premier League.
