Newcastle boss Howe struggles to sum up a ‘classic’ win

Eddie Howe had difficulty putting Newcastle UnitedIt is thrilling 4-3 win over Leeds United in words after seeing his team come from behind three times to win at St James’ Park.

It was an emotional evening on Tyneside following the announcement that beloved former manager Kevin Keegan had been diagnosed with cancer.

Fans chanted his name throughout the match, which proved to be the kind of topsy-turvy encounter that Keegan’s ‘Entertainers’ frequently produced in the 1990s, with high attacking quality and defensive solidity at the forefront.

Brenden Aaronson looked to have given Leeds all three points when he slotted his second goal of the match off the post in the 79th minute. He had earlier given Leeds the lead in the first half, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s controversial penalty in first-half stoppage time restoring that advantage after Harvey Barnes’ equalizer. Joelinton equalized Newcastle again in the 55th minute with a great header.

But when Aaronson dealt with a Lewis Hall cross into the box, Newcastle had a third chance to restore parity and captain Bruno Guimarares did just that with his 91st-minute shot on goal, before Barnes converted on the turn in the 102nd minute from the Brazilian’s cross to delight St James’ Park.

Howe hails Newcastle character in classic

Barnes’ winner was the last ever in the Premier League and sent Newcastle up sixth in the rankingjust two points out of the top four.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Howe said: “Hard to sum up. It was one of those classic games here where I don’t think we weren’t our best but we showed great character and the game went our way at the end, which is a rare thing for us. It’s great that it went the other way today.

“It wasn’t a perfect performance, there are things to improve but mentality is key. If you lose you need that ‘never say die’ attitude.

“We were a bit flat at the start of the game which was surprising. We’re disappointed with that aspect of our game but maybe conceding a goal helped us in this game because it gave us something to chase and play with a bit more freedom.

“I’m delighted that Harvey scored the winner, a great moment for him. He’s done it before for us but he deserves it.”

The only sour note for Newcastle was the injury to centre-back Fabian Schar, who had to be taken off on a stretcher.

Howe told the BBC’s Match of the Day: “Huge concern, I think it’s quite a serious problem, it’s an ankle problem. He’s been in hospital. He’s been such a brilliant player for us.”

Newcastle face Bournemouth in the FA Cup on Saturday before facing Manchester City in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final first leg three days later. Their next Premier League match is against Wolves on Sunday at the end of the week.