Newcastle United had to make do with a point over the weekend after a controversial VAR decision ruled out a possible match winner.
When the ball deflected into the goal off of Crystal Palace defender Tyrick Mitchell and into an empty net after goalkeeper Vicente Guaita had come to collect and collided with Joe Willock it looked like the Toon would secure their second win of the campaign.
However, VAR decided to intervene and rule the goal out for a foul on Guaita much to the dismay of Eddie Howe.
Ryan Fraser was handed a second consecutive start, but on a day when the Magpies’ attack failed to find a goal, his performance came in for criticism despite admirable energy shown off the ball.
Writing for the Chronicle Lee Ryder awarded the winger a 6/10 for his performance and commented:
‘Tough afternoon as he found just one accurate cross and picked up a yellow card. But work-rate was certainly there.’
Fraser has been one of Howe’s most dependable players since the two were reunited at St. James’ Park having previously worked together at Bournemouth.
In 232 appearances under the English coach, the diminutive winger has scored 26 goals and provided 35 assists but while he may have failed to produce over the weekend, the Scotsman put forward a tireless shift.
He won three duels, made one tackle and completed 88% of his passes (SofaScore) before being replaced in the 70th minute but it will be interesting to see if Allan Saint-Maximin comes straight back into the side upon his return from injury.
In other news, Noel Whelan says Alexander Isak is a ‘great’ signing
