A lot of debate about the Sven Botman challenge on Nicolas Jackson at St James’ Park as Aston Villa ended up winning 1-0 against Newcastle United.
This came just ahead of the 20 minute mark at St James’ Park.
Joelinton had lost control of the ball and then threw himself into a tackle on Johan Manzambi to try and win it back, the ball ran on and Sven Botman then threw himself into a challenge on Nicolas Jackson.
The referee on the pitch gave the two Newcastle United players a yellow card each.
The restart was delayed for the VAR to consider the Sven Botman challenge.
Whether or not to recommend that the referee upgrade to a red card, the decision was to stick with a yellow card.
Former Liverpool player Stephen Warnock was covering the match and said: *“Sven Botman’s challenge looks a little bit rash, a little bit forceful. It’s such a heavy tackle however, five, 10 years ago it’s not [even] a yellow card.”*
Nicolas Jackson has given his verdict on the Sven Botman incident to Sky Sports: *“I’m good. I know the referee said yellow card but it was so high and hopefully maybe next time a red card, but it was a yellow. I nearly broke my leg but anyway it’s part of football. The most important thing is we win and we won so I’m OK and he [Manzambi] is OK.”*
The Villa striker adding about the match: *“It was a difficult game. We know St James’ Park is very difficult to play at but we got three points and we’re very happy to win here. It’s part of football [missing chances]. Sometimes it goes well, sometimes not. He [Manzambi] got the goal and hopefully next time we both score and we score many goals together.”*
Nicolas Jackson on Unai Emery: “An amazing coach you know. I’m very happy to be back with him and hopefully we can do some amazing things as well. He’s amazing, everyone knows that and know he’s one of the best coaches in the world and we’re very happy to be with him. Hopefully we can grow together and he always helps us so we’re very happy.”
Aston Villa are still below Newcastle United in the table but are now level on points with United, below only on goal difference.