It was a night to remember for the Baggies at St James’ Park as they went toe-to-toe with Premier League opposition in a thrilling Carabao Cup clash. Isaac Price put Albion in front with a brilliant free-kick, giving the visitors belief that an upset could be on the cards. However, Harvey Barnes’ brace ultimately proved the difference, as Newcastle edged out a spirited West Brom side 3-2. Despite the result and their cup exit, the Baggies produced a performance full of fight, quality and belief against top-flight opposition.
The head coach made six changes to his side as Albion faced a demanding three-game week. Conor Townsend, Barney Stewart, Rabby Nzingoula, Alex Williams and Chris Mepham were all handed their first starts of the season, while goalkeeper Matt Ingram was also given his debut.
United threatened early on, with Joe Willock sending a shot narrowly wide before Lewis Hall saw his volley comfortably saved.
Albion grew into the contest and began to cause their Premier League hosts problems, with Jimmy-Jay Morgan and Price both seeing efforts blocked before the latter was presented with another chance from a free-kick.
And it was the Northern Ireland international’s ingenuity that broke the deadlock, as his expertly curled free-kick caught Ewen Jaouen off guard and handed the Baggies the lead.
Jimmy-Jay Morgan then pulled an effort wide as Albion looked to build on their advantage and double their lead. Newcastle soon turned up the pressure, though, and eventually found a way back into the contest. Toure got on the end of a dangerous cross to tap home the equaliser and send the sides into the break level at 1-1.
The hosts brought former Baggie Harvey Barnes on for the second half, and he made an instant impact, firing Newcastle into the lead after reacting quickest to a goalmouth scramble.
The thrilling contest swung again 13 minutes from time when Hall was penalised for handball inside the box, giving Morrison’s men a chance from the spot. Price stepped up and coolly converted his second penalty in four days to restore parity and set up a dramatic finale.
Unfortunately for Albion, Newcastle had the final say. Barnes struck again in the closing stages, beating Ingram to make it 3-2, before the hosts held firm through a late Baggies surge to book their place in round three.
Newcastle United 3-2 West Brom
Goalscorers for Newcastle United: Bazoumana Touré, Harvey Barnes (x2)
Goalscorers for West Brom: Isaac Price (x2)
It was a great performance from the Baggies, Isaac Price playing the best form of his life scoring a brilliant free-kick and another spot kick to keep us in the game, it was almost a great result for us to. I cannot complain about the result but that was one of the best performances I’ve seen this season. Diakite was unreal throughout the first half and if we play like this all season, I think we would be in a promotion race. Next up is Middlesbrough on Saturday lunchtime for another long trip.