Newcastle  4  Leeds United  3

Match action is online here

A game that began with Newcastle fans voicing support for club legend Kevin Keegan, following a cancer diagnosis ended with a victory reminiscent of KK's Entertainers era side. 

Eddie Howe and his side celebrated their third successive Premier League victory at full time, but the Magpies held an advantage in a game that spanned 112 minutes for only a matter of seconds. We all love leads, as the song goes....

The Whites arrived on Tyneside unbeaten in seven Premier League games and having lost just one of their most recent five visits to Gallowgate.

That run looked like continuing when Malick Thiaw crucially lost possession just outside his own penalty area and Brenden Aaranson clinically beat Nick Pope.

However that lead lasted less than five minutes, before a touch from Nick Woltemade in the box gave Harvey Barnes the chance to fire home the equaliser.

Thiaw was then the centre of attention in first half added time, harshly ruled to have handled in the box although replays showed the home defender had been shoved.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin continued his scoring run by netting the penalty but again that lead was short-lived, Joelinton atoning for a thinly-veiled dive before the break that earned a booking to level within ten minutes of the interval.

What was fitting night for the current owner of the number 7 shirt to score saw him glance a header home from a Bruno Guimaraes centre - the chance created after Lewis Miley athletically retrieved an over-hit pass from his captain.

That began a period of home pressure that saw Lewis Hall narrowly fail to connect when Barnes pinged a low cross in from the right and an almighty scramble in the six yard box following a corner before referee Michael Salisbury whistled for some obscure infringement. 

Newcastle's momentum was crucially altered by an ankle injury to Fabian Schar that saw the defender stretchered off and left Botman partnered by Miley - who had begun the evening at full back before moving into midfield.

That re-jigged back line was almost immediately pierced however, as Aaronson made his way into the box from the Leeds right and deceived Pope with a low effort.

A home crowd harbouring an increasing sense of injustice against the officials were celebrating in the final seconds of normal time, as the referee adjudged that Aaranson had blocked Lewis Hall's right wing cross illegally with his hand - a verdict that felt like levelling up to us....

The comeback was then improbably completed in the 12th minute of added time as Bruno's ball into the box was knocked down by Botman into the path of Barnes.

He turning brilliantly before finding the bottom corner of the Leazes End net, registering the latest goal ever scored during a Premier League game.

Some inevitably chaotic celebrations centred on the North West corner included Jacob Murphy uprooting the corner flag and carrying back on to the field before presenting it to the scorer. Yoane Wissa then helpfully retrieved and replaced it while working the crowd with a succession of fist pumps. 

Victory saw Newcastle rise to a seasonal high sixth place in the table and they extended their unbeaten home league and cup run to 12 games (eight in the Premier League).

The win took United above the mackems for the first time this season after their 0-3 defeat at Brentford, which saw Enzo Le Fee's attempt at Panenka penalty embarrassingly saved when it was 0-1.

Statistics fail to convey the epic nature of what went on here though. Skill, emotion, controversy and an absolute cliffhanger of an ending. Books have been written about less.

More to follow...

PS - our headline is of course part of KK's infamous quote following an away win in April 1996 at...Leeds United.

Team: Pope, L.Miley, Hall, Schar (Ramsey 76), Thiaw (Botman 46), Tonali (Livramento 46), Joelinton, Guimaraes, Gordon (J.Murphy 81), Barnes, Woltemade (Wissa 75).
Subs n/u: A.Murphy, Ramsdale, Trippier, Willock.

The replacement of Thiaw at half time looked to be tactical rather than fitness-related, with the German international involved in both Leeds goals and on a yellow card. Dan Burn's similarly below-par display at Brentford earlier this season wasn't addressed and saw him red-carded.

Goals: Barnes 36, 90+12, Joelinton 54, Guimaraes 90+1 pen

Booked: Thiaw, Gordon, Joelinton

LUFC: Perri, Rodon (Bornauw 90+7), Struijk, Bijol, Ampadu, Justin, Stach (Okafor 80), Gruev (Tanaka 90+7), Gudmundsson, Aaronson (Gnonto 90+7), Calvert-Lewin (Nmecha 87).
Subs n/u: Byram, Darlow, Harrison, Piroe.

Former Magpie Sean Longstaff was absent due to injury, while fellow SJP old boy Karl Darlow was an unused sub.

Goals: Aaronson 32,79, Calvert-Lewin 45+5(pen)

Booked: Calvert-Lewin, Ampadu

Referee: Michael Salisbury - first NUFC appointment for the Lancashire official since he taking charge of last April's 3-0 home victory over Ipswich Town. Hopefully the last.

VAR: Paul Howard

Crowd: 52,176 including 3,200 mastered yorkies.

(misreported by some outlets as 51,176)

While wholly appropriate, the club's decision to relay the Kevin Keegan news pre-game via the scoreboard and PA system prompted wry comments from our readers about NUFC failing to similarly mention the death of fellow former player and manager Willie McFaul last October.

Eddie Howe said:

"It's difficult to sum it up in a few words.

"It was one of those classic games here where I don't think we were at our best, but we showed great character, we kept fighting and always believed we've got goals in us.

"It turned our way at the end, which is a rare thing for us. We haven't done it enough this season especially, we've gone the other way and lost points from late in the game so it's great to go the other way today.

"It wasn't a perfect performance, there's stuff to reflect and improve, but the mentality is the key thing in everything and if you're losing, you need that 'never say die' spirit, especially with the attacking players we've got.

"We were a bit flat at start of game which was surprising. We are disappointed with that aspect of our game but maybe conceding helped us in this game because it gave us something to chase and played with a bit more freedom.

"I'm delighted for Harvey (Barnes) to score the winning goal, a great moment for him. He has done it before for us but he deserves it.

"Great to see the substitutes come on and make a difference as well. That's so pleasing for the squad strength and winning late gives everyone a lift.

"No Premier League game, as the table would show you, is easy this year and the win is a valuable result.

"Coming from behind, we haven't done that this season yet so that's a great thing to do. We have been on the receiving end a couple of times this season and it really hurt, so this is the better way to script it."

On Fabian Schar:

"He’s in hospital, I believe, at the moment, he’s got an ankle problem. It doesn’t look good for him, we hope it’s not as serious as it looks. We send him our love.

"He’s such an important player, he’s been incredible for us.

"Since we’ve come to the football club, he’s almost been an ever-present. He’s always put his body on the line for the team. Unfortunately, it looks like he’s picked up a bad injury.”

On Kevin Keegan:

"We want to produce a similar team (to his Entertainers). We want everyone to be desperate to come and watch the team and stick with the team right until the end because you never know what's around the corner.

"You never know how a game can end. With Kevin's team, that was certainly the case.

"We want that to be the same with us and we want supporters to love the team in the same way."

Pre-game comments about KK:

"Really sad news. Kevin is an absolute icon of this football club, not just as a player but as a manager. An inspirational figure.

"I've been lucky enough to meet him a few times. He's been so kind and generous with his time and his words for me.

"We wish him well, the whole city is behind him and with him every step of the way."

Stats:

At 101 minutes, 48 seconds, Harvey Barnes scored the latest PL goal ever recorded*. That beats Chelsea's Cole Palmer, whose effort in a 4-3 home win over Manchester United in April 2024 was 100 minutes, 41 seconds

* Officially, the Opta PL stats begin in 2006/07.

Late PL goals for NUFC:

2025/26 Harvey Barnes v Leeds (h) 90+12
2020/21 Callum Wilson v Spurs (a) 90+7
2022/23 Bruno Guimaraes v Leicester (h) 90+5
2021/22 Joe Willock v Liverpool (a) 90+5
2019/20 Florian Lejeune v Everton (a) 90+5
2013/14 Yohan Cabaye v West Ham (a) 90+5

(Before 2006/07, the latest NUFC PL goal time we have recorded is 90+4, earlier than the above listing).

Newcastle last scored twice during second half added time in the PL back in January 2020, when Florian Lejeune struck in 90+4 and 90+5 minutes away to Everton.

Barnes claims the record for the latest PL goal to be scored at Gallowgate from Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha in August 2025 - that one timed at 99 minutes, 44 seconds.

Newcastle came from behind to win in the Premier League for the first time a 4-3 since success at home to Nottingham Forest in February 2024. That was also the most recent PL fixture before tonight that the Magpies won 4-3.

The Magpies have never previously come from behind three times and gone on to win a Premier League game. The closest they came was equalising three times away at Manchester City to draw 3-3 in the 1995/96 season.

Harvey Barnes increased his seasonal goal total to nine in all competitions, five in the Premier League and four in the Champions League. That's level with his best season as a Magpie, also hitting nine in 2024/25.

Barnes moves on 19 PL goals for Newcastle, one ahead of Fabian Schar and one behind Anthony Gordon.

2025/26 won 4-3 Barnes 2, Joelinton, Guimaraes(pen) PL
2022/23 drew 0-0 (PL)
2021/22 drew 1-1 Saint-Maximin (PL)
2020/21 lost 1-2 Almiron (PL)
2016/17 drew 1-1 Lascelles (Ch)
2013/14 won 2-0 Cisse, Gouffran (LC)
2009/10 drew 0-0 (FR)
2003/04 won 1-0 Shearer (PL)
2002/03 lost 0-2 (PL)
2001/02 won 3-1 og, Dyer, Bellamy (PL)
2000/01 won 2-1 Solano, Acuna (PL)
1999/00 drew 2-2 Shearer 2 (PL)
1998/99 lost 0-3 (PL)
1997/98 drew 1-1 Ketsbaia (PL)
1996/97 won 3-0 Shearer 2, Ferdinand (PL)
1995/96 won 2-1 Lee Beardsley (PL)
1994/95 lost 1-2 Elliott (PL)
1993/94 drew 1-1 Cole (PL)
1989/90 won 5-2 Quinn 4, Gallacher (D2)
1983/84 won 1-0 og (D2)

Latest PL results/fixture:

Tue 06.01.2026:
West Ham 1-2 Nottingham Forest

Wed 07.01.2026:
Bournemouth 3-2 Spurs
Brentford 3-0 mackems
Crystal Palace 0-0 Aston Villa
Everton 1-1 Wolves
Fulham 2-1 Chelsea
Manchester City 1-1 Brighton & Hove Albion
Burnley 2-2 Manchester United
Newcastle 4-3 Leeds United

Thu 08.01.2026:
Arsenal v Liverpool (8pm) Sky

Latest:
KK news update

Overseas TV:
DAZN Belgium
DAZN/2 Germany
Disney+ Premium Arg/Chi/Sur
DStv Now
ESPN Select (USA)
fubo TV (USA)
Sport TV4 HD (Portugal)
SuperSport GOtv Football
SuperSport MAXimo 1 HD
SuperSport Variety 3 HD
ViaPlay Den/Fin/Ice/Ned/Nor/Swe

UK Radio: Live on talkSPORT 2

Roads: Barrack Road will be closed to traffic post-match between Stanhope Street and St. James' Boulevard, beginning at the final whistle or earlier and continuing up to 45 minutes after full time or when crowds disperse.

Buses: Due to the closure of Barrack Road, Go North East X50 football services to the Metro Centre will depart from St. James’ Boulevard, outside the Citygate building.

Stagecoach buses stopping on Barrack Road will be diverted and passengers required to use alternative bus stops while the post-match closure is in place. Details here

Metro: No scheduled disruptions.

Rail: Scheduled disruptions are online here

FAC3 fixtures:

Fri 09.01.026:
Port Vale v Fleetwood Town (7.30pm) Disc+
Preston North End v Wigan Athletic (7.30pm) Disc+
Wrexham v Nottingham Forest (7.30pm) TNT/Disc+
MK Dons v Oxford United (7.30pm) Disc+

Sat 10.01.2026:
Wolves v Shrewsbury Town (12.15pm) Disc+
Everton v mackems (12.15pm) Disc+
Cheltenham Town v Leicester City (12.15pm) Disc+
Macclesfield v Crystal Palace (12.15pm) BBC/TNT/Disc+
Doncaster Rovers v Southampton (3pm)
Ipswich Town v Blackpool (3pm)
Manchester City v Exeter City (3pm)
Sheffield Wednesday v Brentford (3pm)
Fulham v Boro (3pm)
Burnley v Millwall (3pm)
Salford City v Swindon Town (3pm)
Boreham Wood v Burton Albion (3pm)
Newcastle v Bournemouth (3pm)
Stoke City v Coventry City (3pm)
Spurs v Aston Villa (5.45pm) BBC/TNT/Disc+
Grimsby Town v Weston Super Mare (5.45pm) Disc+
Cambridge United v Birmingham City (5.45pm) Disc+
Bristol City v Watford (5.45pm) Disc+
Charlton Athletic v Chelsea (8pm) TNT/Disc+

Sun 11.01.2026:
Derby County v Leeds United (Noon) TNT/Disc+
Portsmouth v Arsenal (2pm) TNT/Disc+
West Ham v QPR (2.30pm) Disc+
Norwich City v Walsall (2.30pm) Disc+
Swansea City v West Bromwich Albion (2.30pm) Disc+
Hull City v Blackburn Rovers (2.30pm) Disc+
Sheffield United v Mansfield Town (2.30pm) Disc+
Manchester United v Brighton (4.30pm) TNT/Disc+

Mon 12.01.2026:
Liverpool v Barnsley (7.45pm) TNT/Disc+

Stats:

Newcastle and Bournemouth drew 0-0 at the Vitality Stadium in the Premier League last September, Andoni Iraola's side due on Tyneside for the return this April.

This is the third time that the Magpies and Cherries have been paired in this competition - all in the Third Round.

Newcastle ran out 2-0 winners on Tyneside in 1973, drawing 0-0 down in Dorset in 1992 and then losing the replay on penalties after a 2-2 draw that followed an abandonment due to fog days earlier.

Cherries in Toon - all-time:

2024/25 lost 1-4 Guimaraes (PL)
2023/24 drew 2-2 Gordon pen, Ritchie (PL)
2022/23 won 1-0 og (LC)
2022/23 drew 1-1 Isak (pen) (PL)
2019/20 won 2-1 Yedlin, Clark (PL)
2018/19 won 2-1 Rondon 2 (PL)
2017/18 lost 0-1 (PL)
2015/16 lost 1-3 Perez (PL)
1991/92 drew 2-2 Hunt 2 (FAC) (lost 3-4 pens)
1989/90 won 3-0 Anderson, Quinn 2 (D2)
1972/73 won 2-0 Macdonald, og (FAC)

NUFC last 10 FAC3 ties:

2024/25 Bromley (h) R3 won 3-1
2023/24 mackems (a) R3 won 3-0
2022/23 Sheffield Wednesday (a) R3 lost 1-2
2021/22 Cambridge United (h) R3 lost 0-1
2020/21 Arsenal (a) R3 lost 0-2aet
2019/20 Rochdale (h) R3R won 4-1
2019/20 Rochdale (a) R3 drew 1-1
2018/19 Blackburn Rovers (a) R3R won 4-2
2018/19 Blackburn Rovers (h) R3 drew 1-1
2017/18 Luton Town (h) R3 won 3-1
2016/17 Birmingham City (h) R3R won 3-1
2016/17 Birmingham City (a) R3 drew 1-1
2015/16 Watford (a) R3 lost 0-1

2025/26:
Right said Ed....

Asked why he favours Anthony Gordon over Harvey Barnes as his first-choice left winger, Eddie Howe said:

"I don't think Anthony enjoys playing on the right.

"I think Harvey is a lot more open to it and quite enjoys the freedom that the position gives him with our way of playing.

Update:
White flight

League One Leyton Orient confirmed on Monday that the loan agreement for Newcastle midfielder Joe White had ended with immediate effect.

The 23 year-old made a season-long switch to the O's in July, but played just 46 minutes during three substitute appearances in the league, plus a trio of cup outings.

Injury contributed to that lack of pitch time, but after declaring himself fit in November, Joe featured in just one senior fixture - an EFL Trophy loss to Plymouth Argyle.

White's four competitive Newcastle games came during the 2023/24 season, all in the Premier League as substitute. His most recent public sighting as a Magpie were in the friendly loss at Celtic back in July 2025.

PS: Also heading back to SJP is reserve goalkeeper Aidan Harris, following his half-season loan at Coleraine.

Update:
Loan lads

The Magpies are in Carabao Cup Semi-final first leg action on Tuesday, against Manchester City.

It's an 8pm kick-off at SJP live on ITV1 and Sky Sports.

The Citizens were allocated 4,893 places.

Both sides entered in the Third Round of this season's competition as a consequence of their Champions League involvement.

Eddie Howe's side have defeated Bradford City (4-1), Spurs (2-0) and Fulham (2-1) on Tyneside as they attempt to defend the trophy they lifted at Wembley last March.

Pep Guardiola meanwhile oversaw away wins at Huddersfield Town (2-0) and Swansea City (3-1) before seeing off Brentford (2-0) at the Etihad Stadium.

Two goals from Harvey Barnes gave the Magpies a 2-1 success over City in the PL at SJP back in November.

Team: to follow

MCFC: Broken leg victim Josko Gvardiol has joined fellow defenders Ruben Dias and John Stones on the injured list and prompted the recall of Max Alleyne from loan at Watford.

Also sidelined are Mateo Kovacic, Savinho and Oscar Bobb, while Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait-Nouri remain in action at the AFCON Finals with Egypt and Algeria respectively.

Although he appeared for Bournemouth in an earlier round of this season's Carabao Cup, Antoine Semenyo would be eligible to play against us assuming his transfer to Manchester City is concluded in time.

Ahead of their visit to Tyneside, City host Exeter City in the FA Cup on Saturday having drawn each of their last three games - all in the Premier League.

Referee: Chris Kavanagh - the Lancashire-based official returns to Gallowgate for the third time this season, having taken charge of the 1-0 PL victory over Wolves and 2-0 Carabao Cup conquest of Spurs.

VAR: Stuart Attwell.

UK TV: Live on Sky Sports and ITV1.

City centre bars with live TV coverage include:

The Dog & Parrot on Clayton Street West.

You'll also find live coverage at WonderBar in the Gate.

Overseas TV: To follow

UK Radio: Live on BBC Radio 5 Live Sport

Metro: No scheduled disruptions.

Rail: Scheduled disruptions are online here

Stats:

This is the sixth time that City and United have been paired in the League Cup and the first occasion since September 2023, when the Magpies won 1-0 on Tyneside.

Newcastle's 2-0 away success in October 2014 remains our only league or cup victory at the Eithad in 22 visits.

NUFC v MCFC in the League Cup - all-time:

1975/76 F lost 1-2 (Wembley) Gowling
1994/95 R4 drew 1-1 (Maine Road) Jeffrey
1994/95 R4 replay lost 0-2 (SJP)
2013/14 R4 lost 0-2 (SJP)
2014/15 R4 won 2-0 (Etihad) Aarons, Sissoko
2023/24 R3 won 1-0 (SJP) Isak
2025/26 SF (SJP then Etihad)

The black and whites have won all three of the previous semi-finals they have contested, but this will be the first when they've not enjoyed second leg home advantage:

1975/76 Spurs: lost 0-1 (a), won 3-1 (h)
2022/23 Southampton: won 1-0 (a), won 2-1 (h)
2024/25 Arsenal: won 2-0 (a), won 2-0 (h)
2025/26 Manchester City: (h) then (a)

Citizens in Toon - PL era: