By Our Football Correspondent
ST JAMES’ PARK – FOOTBALL, bloody hell! If ever a match summed up the “Entertainers” tag of Newcastle United, this seven-goal heart-stopper was it.
In a game that didn’t just have everything but had it twice, Harvey Barnes emerged as the ultimate Geordie hero, smashing home a winner in the 102nd minute to leave Leeds United in tatters.
On a night where the Toon Army paid an emotional tribute to legend Kevin Keegan, Eddie Howe’s superstars produced a comeback for the ages.
Trailing three times to a relentless Leeds side, Newcastle refused to lie down, eventually snatching a 4-3 victory in what will go down as a Premier League classic.
The drama started when Leeds’ American ace Brenden Aaronson silenced the Gallowgate End in the 32nd minute. But the Magpies’ big-money stars found their voice quickly.
Harvey Barnes grabbed his first of the night just four minutes later, finishing a slick move involving Anthony Gordon.
However, defensive wobbles nearly cost the hosts dear.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin, enjoying a clinical run of form, coolly slotted a penalty past Nick Pope after Malick Thiaw’s handball to give the visitors a half-time lead.
Newcastle’s Brazilian powerhouse Joelinton brought the house down early in the second half with a thumping header from a Bruno Guimarães cross.
But Leeds, led by a revitalised Aaronson, seemed to have won it when the Yank bagged his second of the night in the 79th minute.
With the clock ticking into double-figure stoppage time due to a nasty injury to Fabian Schär, St. James’ Park became a cauldron of noise.
”It was absolute cinema,” one fan screamed as the final whistle blew. “Keegan would have loved that one!”
102 Minutes of Madness
When Newcastle were awarded a 91st-minute penalty, the pressure was immense. Up stepped captain Bruno Guimarães.
The midfield maestro showed nerves of steel, sending the Leeds keeper the wrong way to make it 3-3.
But the real “I was there” moment arrived twelve minutes into added time.
As a corner pinballed around the box, Barnes spun on a sixpence and drilled a low effort into the corner. St. James’ Park didn’t just roar; it shook.
The win catapults Newcastle into the European spots, while Daniel Farke’s Leeds are left wondering how they left Tyneside with nothing after such a brave display.
For the Toon, it was more than just three points—it was a reminder that on their day, they are the most entertaining show in town.
