Newcastle United now sit just a point behind West Ham in the Premier League table, after Harvey Barnes inspired a late victory on Saturday lunchtime.
The Magpies started well when Alexander Isak slotted home an early penalty, but West Ham netted thrice before the hour mark and looked to be in control of proceedings at St James’ Park.
Isak converted from twelve yards out again to reduce the deficit, before a sublime substitute appearance from Harvey Barnes saw the ex-Leicester winger seize a late victory for Eddie Howe’s side.
As it happened
It took just three minutes for Newcastle United to burst into life on Saturday. A foul on Anthony Gordon inside the box granted Alexander Isak an opportunity from twelve yards out, and the Swedish forward made no mistake after a lengthy VAR review.
That would be the end of the Magpies’ attacking intent throughout the first half, though. Michail Antonio restored parity shortly after the twenty-minute mark, and the Hammers seized the lead deep inside first-half stoppage time following a fine finish from Mohammed Kudus.
Embed from Getty ImagesJarrod Bowen rubbed further salt into the wounds just three minutes into the second half, completing a blistering counterattack that stemmed from a Newcastle United corner.
But the hosts would be granted a lifeline as the matchday clocked ticked down, with Isak able to convert from the penalty spot again following a harsh call against Kalvin Phillips.
With Eddie Howe’s side desperately in need of a victory to keep their European hopes alive, and the crowd inside St James’ Park well aware of that fact, Harvey Barnes proved himself as the hero following his introduction from the bench.
Equalising in the 83rd minute, the former Leicester City man sparked emphatic celebrations just seven minutes later – shifting the ball onto his right foot before thundering past Lukasz Fabianski to seal all three points.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe drama wasn’t over there though: Gordon will miss Newcastle United’s match against Everton on Tuesday after picking up a second yellow card for booting the ball away in stoppage time.
The lineups
NEW: Dubravka; Burn, Schär, Lascelles, Livramento; Willock, Guimarães, Longstaff; Gordon, Isak, Murphy
WHU: Areola; Emerson, Zouma, Mavropanos, Coufal; Soucek, Ward-Prowse; Kudus, Paquetá, Bowen; Antonio
