Newcastle: Howe struggles to sum up ‘classic’ victory after Leeds thriller
Newcastle came from behind three times to win in the 102nd minute.
Eddie Howe struggled to put Newcastle United‘s thrilling 4-3 victory over Leeds United into words after seeing his side come from behind three times to prevail at St James’ Park.
It was an emotional night on Tyneside following the news that beloved former manager Kevin Keegan has been diagnosed with cancer.
Fans sang his name throughout the game, which proved to be the kind of topsy turvy encounter Keegan’s ‘Entertainers’ frequently produced in the 1990s, with attacking quality high and defensive solidity at a premium.
Brenden Aaronson looked to have given Leeds all three points when he fired his second goal of the game in off the post in the 79th minute. He had earlier put Leeds ahead in the first half, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s contentious penalty in first-half stoppage time restoring that advantage following Harvey Barnes’ equaliser. Joelinton drew Newcastle level again in the 55th minute with a fine header.
But when Aaronson handled a Lewis Hall cross in the penalty area, Newcastle were given a third opportunity to restore parity and captain Bruno Guimarares did just that with his 91st-minute spot-kick, before Barnes converted on the turn in the 102nd minute following the Brazilian’s cross to send St James’ Park into raptures.
Howe hails Newcastle character in classic
Barnes’ winner is the latest on record in the Premier League, and sent Newcastle up to sixth in the table, just two points outside the top four.
Speaking about the game to Sky Sports, Howe said: “Difficult to sum up. It was one of those classic games here where I don’t think we weren’t our best but showed great character and the game turned our way at the end which is a rare thing for us. It’s great for it to go the other way today.
“It wasn’t a perfect performance, there’s stuff to improve but the mentality is the key thing. If you are losing, you need that ‘never say die’ attitude.
“We were a bit flat at start of game which was surprising. We are disappointed with that aspect of our game, but maybe conceding helped us in this game because it gave us something to chase and play with a bit more freedom.
“I’m delighted for Harvey to score the winning goal, a great moment for him. He has done it before for us but he deserves it.”
The one sour note for Newcastle was an injury to centre-back Fabian Schar, who had to be taken off on a stretcher.
Howe told BBC Match of the Day: “Huge concern, I think it’s quite a serious one, it’s an ankle one. He’s gone to hospital. He has been such a brilliant player for us.”
Newcastle face Bournemouth in the FA Cup on Saturday before taking on Manchester City in the EFL Cup semi-final first leg three days later. Their next Premier League game is at bottom club Wolves a week on Sunday.