Newcastle edged a dramatic seven-goal thriller against West Ham

[CharlieH]

 

Eddie Howe said Harvey Barnes was "incredible" after the winger came off the bench to score twice as Newcastle edged a dramatic seven-goal thriller against West Ham at St James' Park.

Barnes, returning from a two-game absence due to a thigh injury, was introduced as a substitute in the 67th minute with Newcastle trailing 3-1.

 

The England international went on to boost Newcastle's hopes of securing another campaign in Europe with a late double.

"He is an incredible player," Howe told BBC Match of the Day.

"We have missed him this season and he would have given us quality wherever he played. He is a goalscorer and they are so valuable, and his two finishes today were of the highest quality. Of course, the last one was memorable and will always be remembered - and what a finish it was. That's the quality he has."

Newcastle made the perfect start when Anthony Gordon won a penalty with just three minutes played and Isak converted from 12 yards.

But the game started to get away from the Magpies when West Ham scored three unanswered goals.

Michail Antonio brought the Hammers on to level terms before Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen scored within minutes either side of half-time.

Isak scored his second penalty of the afternoon after Gordon was again adjudged to have been fouled and Barnes grabbed the equaliser in the 83rd minute.

With momentum and a vociferous St James' Park firmly behind them, Newcastle pressed on and Barnes emphatically fired in a 90th-minute winner.

There was further drama to come in injury time as Newcastle were reduced to 10 men when Gordon received a second yellow card for kicking the ball away, but they managed to hold out for a victory that could prove vital in their pursuit of European football.

Newcastle climb up to eighth, just a point behind West Ham in seventh.

 

Full match report