Harvey Barnes delivered a decisive double for Newcastle United as they edged past West Bromwich Albion 3-2, clinching a place in the third round of the Carabao Cup. The match at St James' Park began with a surprising twist when Isaac Price, on his debut for the Baggies, curled a free‑kick from about 25 yards into the bottom corner, leaving goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen stranded. The early lead gave West Brom a brief sense of control, but Newcastle responded swiftly. Soon after, another newcomer for the Magpies, Bazoumana Toure, found the net.
The goal came from a close‑range tap‑in after a brief scramble in the box, with officials taking a moment to confirm whether Toure or defender Chris Mepham had nudged the ball across the line. The decision went in Newcastle's favour, leveling the score at 1-1. The game’s tempo intensified at halftime when manager Matthias Jaissle introduced Barnes for the departing Toure.
Barnes made an immediate impact, striking from the edge of the penalty area only to see his shot blocked. He reacted instantly, following up the rebound and slotting the ball home from close range, giving Newcastle a 2-1 lead. West Brom, however, were not ready to surrender.
Lewis Hall, the same player who had handed Liverpool a penalty in the Premier League just days earlier, committed a handball inside the box, awarding the visitors a spot‑kick. Isaac Price stepped up again, this time converting the penalty to restore parity at 2-2. The drama reached its climax in the closing stages. Barnes, still fresh from the bench, found himself in the right spot once more.
After a corner delivery that landed at his feet on the edge of the area, he unleashed a low, driven shot that West Brom struggled to clear. The ball fell to Barnes, who was already in the box, and he finished cleanly, restoring Newcastle’s lead at 3-2. That goal proved to be the winner, sending the Magpies into the next round of the competition they lifted in 2025.
In the aftermath, Jaissle praised Barnes for his contribution, noting that the winger's work extended beyond scoring. "He’s disciplined, both in possession and out of it, and his link‑up with Lewis Hall is improving.
I thanked him after the match because his goal was crucial," the manager said. He also commended West Brom’s performance, describing the opposition as a strong Championship side that posed a genuine challenge. "We had to show character after conceding the second equaliser, and we responded quickly," Jaissle added. The post‑match comments also featured insights from Sky Sports analyst Jamie Redknapp, who highlighted Newcastle’s evolving midfield dynamics.
Redknapp pointed out that the team’s recent signings, such as Nico Gonzalez, could provide much‑needed depth at the number six role, especially after the departure of seasoned players like Tonali and Joelinton. He noted that younger talents like Yoane Wissa and Anthony Elanga were already making an impact, perhaps even more so than under former manager Eddie Howe.
"They have pace, energy, and are learning quickly. If they stay calm and trust the manager, good results will follow," Redknapp concluded. Looking ahead, Newcastle’s next Carabao Cup fixture is set against Millwall at The Den, with the match scheduled for the week commencing either Monday 7 September or Monday 14 September.
A victory will keep their cup aspirations alive and give the squad further opportunities to integrate new signings and develop squad cohesion. Overall, the encounter showcased the unpredictable nature of knockout football: early setbacks, swift responses, and the decisive influence of a bench player stepping up when needed. Barnes’ brace not only secured three points but also underscored his growing importance to Jaissle’s plans. With the tournament progressing, Newcastle will aim to build on this resilience and continue their pursuit of silverware.