A late Harvey Barnes goal secured a dramatic 4-3 win for Newcastle United in a chaotic Premier League classic against Leeds.
In a fast-paced affair at St James’ Park, the usually excellent Malick Thiaw endured his worst game for Newcastle United yet by making the mistake that ultimately led to Brenden Aaronson scoring the opener.
Barnes got Newcastle back into it before Dominic Calvert-Lewin put Leeds back in front with a penalty after a Thiaw handball.
Who was Newcastle United’s MOTM against Leeds and why?!
After the break, Joelinton scored a brilliant header after an even better cross from Bruno Guimaraes. Aaronson would score again, before the Newcastle skipper converted a late penalty.
Barnes, however, struck late with a brilliant finish to give Newcastle a dramatic victory in one of the best Premier League games in recent memory.
The game was also marred by an injury to Fabian Schar, who was stretchered off.
Here’s how Geordie Boot Boys rated the players…
Nick Pope – 6/10
Could surely have done better for Leeds’ first goal. Did produce a big save at the start of the second half, however, but was lucky not to give a goal away with an absolute howler later on when trying to collect a cross.
Pope‘s iffy performance was a reminder that Newcastle’s goalkeeping department remains a concern.
Lewis Miley – 8/10
One of Newcastle’s brightest sparks, as ever. Helped tee up Joelinton’s goal by keeping a lost cause alive.
Such is his quality, Miley even covered at centre-back after Schar went off injured.
Malick Thiaw – 3/10
Thiaw is starting to wobble somewhat and was at fault for Leeds’ first goal after slipping. Generally so solid, it’s his latest mistake after a blunder against Chelsea late last month.
While harsh, the German also gave away the penalty to make it 2-1. A nightmare for him and taken off at the break.
Why was Malick Thiaw suddenly so bad against Leeds?! 😅
Don't want to be too harsh given all he's done but, wow, that was painful.
Fabian Schar – 7/10
Brilliant defending in the second half to deny Leeds a third. Taken off with a nasty-looking injury and Newcastle will hope for a speedy recovery.
Lewis Hall – 6/10
Perhaps not his very best game but not as bad as some of his teammates. Hall is rarely ever dreadful but it wasn’t a strong night for him in truth.
Bruno Guimaraes – 7/10
Not at his best in the first half but produced an incredible cross for Joelinton to score. Then stepped up to score the late penalty in positive fashion.
Sandro Tonali – 6/10
Better than in previous games but still hooked at the break.
Joelinton – 7/10
Headed Newcastle back on level terms in fine fashion. Joelinton is making a difference again.
Harvey Barnes – 9/10
Stepped up for a crucial goal once again and largely proved the most dangerous outlet in the first half. That continued in the second, with his fine cross for Hall cut out.
Won it late on with a fine finish! An absolute hero.
Nick Woltemade – 6/10
Nice lay-off for Barnes but otherwise not involved at all in the opening 45 minutes. Came close in the second half but was denied by a brilliant save during a goalmouth scramble.
Anthony Gordon – 6/10
Did very well for Barnes’ goal but generally fairly quiet. Not terrible but Gordon is yet to fully convince.