Barnes Stuns Leeds with 102nd-Minute Winner in St James’ Park Classic

Barnes Stuns Leeds with 102nd-Minute
Winner in St James’ Park Classic

Newcastle, 8 Jan 2026 (ONA) — Harvey
Barnes scored a dramatic 102nd-minute winner to seal a breathtaking 4-3 victory
for Newcastle United over Leeds United, ending the visitors’ unbeaten run in a
Premier League instant classic.

The match appeared destined for a
share of the points after Newcastle captain Bruno Guimarães converted a
stoppage-time penalty to level the score at 3-3. However, in a final twist,
Barnes fired through a crowded penalty area deep into added time, sending St
James’ Park into raptures.

The emotional night saw Newcastle
supporters repeatedly chant the name of club icon Kevin Keegan, who has been
diagnosed with cancer. Keegan, a transformational figure as both player and
manager—most famously as the architect of the title-chasing “Entertainers”
side of the 1990s—saw a fitting tribute in a match overflowing with goals,
drama, and adventurous play.

Leeds initially broke the deadlock
in the 32nd minute after a defensive error. Newcastle’s Malick Thiaw slipped
under pressure from Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who then found Brenden Aaronson to
curl a fine finish into the bottom corner.

Newcastle responded quickly, with
Barnes equalizing via a side-footed finish from a clever Nick Woltemade
lay-off. Leeds regained the lead just before halftime, however, as
Calvert-Lewin converted a penalty after Thiaw handled the ball in the area.

Newcastle drew level again after the
break through Joelinton’s headed finish from a deft Guimarães assist, only for
Aaronson to restore Leeds’ advantage in the 79th minute with a sharp angled
finish following a misplaced pass.

The frantic closing sequence saw
Guimarães equalize from the spot before Barnes delivered the final, decisive
blow in the 102nd minute. The result lifts Newcastle to sixth in the table, while
Leeds remain 16th.

— Ends/Khalid