VAR controversy and late drama mark a tense first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final at St Mary’s.
Newcastle took a significant step towards Wembley with a narrow 1-0 victory in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Southampton, thanks to a late strike from Joelinton, following a night of contentious VAR decisions and near-misses.
The Brazilian midfielder, who had a goal disallowed earlier in the match and missed an easy opportunity, scored the winner with 17 minutes remaining. Substitute Alexander Isak delivered a precise low cross from the right, which Joelinton converted to give the Magpies the lead on a night full of drama at St Mary’s.
Southampton thought they had equalised moments later through their own academy graduate Adam Armstrong, but his scrappy finish was ruled out for handball following VAR review. Earlier, Joelinton’s own first-half goal was controversially chalked off for a handball after a long VAR deliberation.
The second half saw even more tension as Joelinton missed a golden opportunity to extend Newcastle’s lead, firing over the bar with the goal gaping. Southampton had their chances, but Nick Pope was in fine form, denying Che Adams on two separate occasions, as well as Armstrong’s effort against his boyhood club.
In the dying minutes, Southampton were reduced to 10 men when Duje Caleta-Car was sent off for a second bookable offence after a foul on Allan Saint-Maximin. Tensions flared as a confrontation between Bruno Guimaraes and Lyanco led to a mass brawl, further escalating the hostility.
Newcastle had arrived in Southampton with manager Eddie Howe determined to secure a first major domestic trophy for the club since 1955. The Magpies had some early opportunities, notably through Joe Willock, though they struggled to convert in the opening stages. A controversial VAR call ruled out Joelinton’s first-half strike, much to the frustration of the visitors.
The match featured further drama when Moussa Djenepo was forced off with an injury after a collision with Pope, leading to Armstrong’s introduction. Despite constant pressure, Southampton could not find an equaliser, and a late opportunity from Isak, who almost doubled Newcastle’s lead in added time, proved to be the final action.
With a 1-0 advantage, Newcastle head back to St James’ Park next week with high hopes of securing their first cup final appearance since 1999. Southampton will have to regroup, facing Newcastle again after their upcoming FA Cup clash with Blackpool.
