A HAIR-RAISING MATTER OF ED 'N SHOULDERS

VAR saves Howe as late goal by Dango ruled to hit an arm

- ALEX CROOK

NEWCASTLE boss Eddie Howe still can't beat Bournemouth in the Premier League - and needed a late VAR intervention to ensure he left his former club with a point.

Anthony Gordon scored a 76th-minute equaliser to salvage a draw, but the injury-hit Toon would have lost had Dango Ouattara's stoppage-time effort not been chalked off for handball to leave home boss Andoni Iraola fuming.

The Cherries handed a Premier League debut to Evanilson following his club record switch from Porto, while Howe (above) gave former Bournemouth captain Lloyd Kelly his first start.

Evanilson almost claimed a goal in the 19th minute after being played in by Ryan Christie down the left and shooting powerfully from a tight angle with goalkeeper Nick Pope diverting the ball behind with his leg.

Bournemouth came even closer eight minutes later when the lively Antoine Semenyo cut in from the right and unleashed a vicious curler that smashed against the top of the crossbar.

But Iraola's men got the breakthrough they deserved eight minutes before half-time - with a helping hand from Joelinton.