It’s advantage Newcastle United in their two-legged Carabao Cup semi-final against Southampton.
Joelinton’s 73rd-minute goal settled the match at St Mary’s as the Magpies took a 1-0 lead into the deciding leg at St James’ Park in a week’s time.
Eddie Howe named the same starting XI for the fourth consecutive game.
And similar to the first half against Crystal Palace, Newcastle created a number of decent openings but lacked the final finish.
However, the Magpies were left wondering why they weren’t ahead heading into half-time as Joelinton had his goal disallowed for a handball by referee Stuart Atwell.
And frustratingly for United, VAR agreed with Atwell’s on-field decision after reviewing the decision from multiple angles.
The controversy didn’t end there before the first interval was over and out.
Nick Pope floored Moussa Djenepo when rushing off his line. The Saints wanted a sending off but Atwell kept both cards in his pocket as Djenepo was forced off in place of former Magpies academy graduate Adam Amstrong.
Talk of Atwell and VAR continued after the break, but not before Joelinton fired Newcastle into the lead after great work by substitute Alexander Isak in the build-up.
Armstrong thought he had equalised just moments later but VAR spotted a handball and disallowed the goal.
Saints defender Duje Caleta-Car was sent off in the closing stages after getting a second yellow card.
Our writer Jordan Cronin was at St Mary’s - and here’s his Newcastle United player ratings:
1. SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 24: Joelinton of Newcastle United celebrates after scoring the team’s first goal with teammates during the Carabao Cup Semi Final 1st Leg match between Southampton and Newcastle United at St Mary’s Stadium on January 24, 2023 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 24: Joelinton of Newcastle United celebrates after scoring the team’s first goal with teammates during the Carabao Cup Semi Final 1st Leg match between Southampton and Newcastle United at St Mary’s Stadium on January 24, 2023 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
2. Nick Pope - 8
Pulled off two massive saves to deny Adams in the second-half after a shaky first-half where he awkwardly saved Alcaraz’s long distance shot.
3. Kieran Trippier - 7
Led by example on a huge evening for United. His crosses were much better to those we’ve seen in recent games.
4. Fabian Schar - 7
Another excellent display by the centre-back. Solid defensively and very good at spraying the ball forward.