In a breathtaking Premier League encounter that will live long in the memory, Harvey Barnes scored a last-minute winner to secure a sensational 4-3 victory for Newcastle United over Leeds United at St James' Park on Wednesday night.
A Night of High Drama on Tyneside
The match unfolded on an evening where the footballing thoughts of Tyneside were with former player and manager Kevin Keegan, following news of his cancer treatment. The action on the pitch provided a fittingly chaotic tribute, with the lead changing hands multiple times in front of a captivated crowd of 52,176 spectators.
Leeds, managed by Daniel Farke, took the lead on three separate occasions, only to be pegged back each time. Brenden Aaronson was excellent for the visitors, scoring twice, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin added a third from the penalty spot deep into first-half stoppage time.
Newcastle's Spirited Fightback
Newcastle's resilience was the story of the night. Harvey Barnes first equalised after a slick team move involving Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon. Joelinton then drew the Magpies level for a second time with a clever header from a Guimaraes cross after the hour mark.
The drama intensified when Aaronson thought he had won it for Leeds with just 11 minutes remaining, firing home off the far post. However, the game had a final, dramatic twist. In the 89th minute, Aaronson was penalised for handball from a Lewis Hall cross, and Bruno Guimaraes coolly converted the resulting penalty to make it 3-3.
Barnes Has the Final Say
The winner arrived in the dying seconds. After a Guimaraes cross was blocked, the ball fell to Harvey Barnes inside the area. The forward turned and fired a low shot past Leeds goalkeeper Lucas Perri to spark wild celebrations and seal a remarkable three points for Eddie Howe's side.
The match was not without controversy, as Newcastle had a first-half goal by Fabian Schar ruled out for a foul on the keeper. Both sides hit the woodwork in a frantic second half as they chased a winner, with James Justin heading against the crossbar for Leeds and Schar rattling the post for Newcastle.
This seven-goal Premier League thriller will be remembered as one of the games of the season, showcasing the relentless drama and unpredictability of English football's top flight. The victory provides a huge boost for Newcastle's European ambitions, while Leeds will be left to rue missed opportunities after a valiant away performance.
