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:
Eddie Howe named the same starting XI for the fourth consecutive game.
5. Sven Botman - 7
Didn’t look his usual self in parts but did enough to keep an important clean sheet heading into the second leg.
6. Dan Burn - 7
Gave the ball away cheaply in the first half but improved as the game progressed. Defended well when backs against the wall.
7. Bruno Guimaraes - 7
Had his moments where he showed his Brazilian magic. Always involved, even during his quiet spells.
8. Sean Longstaff - 7
Longstaff’s ability to find good positions on the pitch is impressive, albeit he doesn’t always make it count. Grafted to the very end.