Harvey Barnes delivered a decisive double for Newcastle United, helping the Magpies scrape past West Bromwich Albion with a 3-2 victory and secure a place in the third round of the Carabao Cup. The match, played at St James' Park, proved to be a roller‑coaster, with both sides swapping leads before Barnes’ late heroics clinched the win.
The opening salvo came from West Brom when Isaac Price, on his debut for the club, curled a free‑kick from about 25 yards out into the bottom corner. The strike bypassed Newcastle goalkeeper Ewan Jaouen, who was left bewildered as the ball slipped under his cross‑bar.
This early goal gave the visitors an unexpected advantage and set the tone for a tightly contested encounter. Newcastle responded quickly.
Another newcomer, Bazoumana Toure, found the net shortly after the restart. The goal, however, was initially clouded by confusion: it was unclear whether Toure or West Brom defender Chris Mepham had nudged the ball across the line. After a brief review, the referee awarded the goal to Toure, leveling the score at 1‑1.
The match narrative shifted again at halftime when manager Matthias Jaissle decided to substitute Toure for Harvey Barnes. Barnes made an immediate impact. After his first attempt from the edge of the box was blocked, he followed up the rebound with a low, powerful shot from close range, restoring Newcastle’s lead and sending the home crowd into raptures. The pendulum swung back in West Brom’s favour when Lewis Hall committed a handball inside the penalty area, handing the visitors a second spot‑kick opportunity.
The incident mirrored Hall’s earlier mistake against Liverpool in the Premier League, where he also conceded a penalty. Isaac Price stepped up once more, calmly converting the spot‑kick to make it 2‑2 and reigniting the contest. With the scores level and time ticking away, Barnes once again proved his worth. In the 81st minute, after a swift counter‑attack that saw Anthony Elanga burst down the right flank and deliver a low cross into the box, Barnes met the ball with a first‑time finish, sealing a 3‑2 lead for Newcastle.
His second goal of the evening not only secured the win but also guaranteed the Magpies a place in the next round of the competition they had previously lifted in 2025. Post‑match, Jaissle praised Barnes for his all‑round contribution, highlighting his work both in possession and out of it. "He’s disciplined and combines well with Lewis Hall. I thanked him after the match; his goals were crucial," the manager said.
Jaissle also lauded West Brom’s performance, noting the respect they earned in the Championship and the character they displayed throughout the tie. The victory sets up a third‑round clash with Millwall at The Den, scheduled for the week commencing either Monday 7 September or Monday 14 September. Newcastle will look to build on their resilient display and aim to progress further in the cup.
In addition to the on‑field drama, the match featured several notable moments captured in video highlights. The first highlighted goal was Price’s free‑kick, where he opted to curl the ball around the wall rather than delivering a traditional cross, leaving Jaouen helpless.
The second highlight showed Toure’s debut goal, a quick tap‑in after a well‑placed pass from Steur to Amar Dedic, followed by a cross that Toure converted. Barnes’ impact from the bench was also featured: after coming on, he seized a corner, drove a low shot toward goal, and followed his own effort into the box to finish the rebound. The match also saw another penalty awarded to West Brom after Hall’s handball, which Price converted to level the game, only for Barnes to restore the lead minutes later. Beyond the match report, several pundits offered their insights.
Sky Sports analyst Jamie Redknapp commented on the young talent emerging at Newcastle, noting that Barnes and other newcomers have already contributed more than some veterans did under former manager Eddie Howe. Redknapp also mentioned potential signings, such as Nico Gonzalez, who could strengthen the midfield. Overall, the encounter was a testament to Newcastle’s depth and fighting spirit. Despite conceding two penalties, the team showed resilience, quickly responding to setbacks and ultimately delivering an entertaining performance for the fans.
The win not only advances them in the Carabao Cup but also reinforces their reputation as a side capable of overcoming adversity in knockout football.