Antonio Conte picks out ‘strange’ decision during Newcastle United’s win at Tottenham

Antonio Conte refused to comment on Callum Wilson’s “strange” opener during Newcastle United’s 2-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur.

The Magpies took the lead on the half-hour mark through Wilson, who bumped into goalkeeper Hugo Lloris before looping the ball over Eric Dier and into an empty net.

Spurs protested to referee Jarred Gillett but after a VAR check, the goal stood. United then doubled their advantage before half-time via Miguel Almiron’s solo strike.

Harry Kane then pulled a goal back at the beginning of the second half but Newcastle held on to move up to fourth in the Premier League table.

“Before the first goal, we created many chances to score,” Conte said. “Maybe if we had better finishing we could score.

“Then it happened this situation (Wilson’s goal), I don’t want to comment on the referee decision. I don’t want to comment.

“The Newcastle goalkeeper (Nick Pope) made some good saves and in our best moment they scored this strange goal. I don’t want to comment about that decision.

“In our best moment, Newcastle scored their first goal. Their second goal came from a counter-attack. Then it was really difficult to come back.”

Both Eddie Howe and Wilson, perhaps unsurprisingly, agreed the goal was right to stand.

“I had every right to go for the ball,” Wilson said. “The keeper was challenging, I was challenging. I think sometimes keepers get too much love [from referees]. But he chested it and dived into me really, and I’ve carried on and put it in.”

Howe added: “Of course, I was hoping the goal would be given. If that’s two outfield players, I don’t think there’s a free kick given. The only train of thought that makes you think it could be a free kick is because one of those players is a goalkeeper but I don’t see why that should automatically mean it’s a free kick when two players collide.

“I don’t think Callum did anything wrong. he finished the goal superbly with his left foot because it still wasn’t an easy finish from that distance. very pleased to see the goal given.”