Barnes proves the difference at St James' Park

Harvey Barnes helped Matthias Jaissle secure his first competitive win as Newcastle United manager as the Magpies overcame West Brom 3-2 in the EFL Cup second round at St James' Park.

The England winger scored the decisive goal in the 81st minute to book Newcastle's place in the third round, and he made clear afterwards that the club have their sights set firmly on lifting the trophy once more.

How the tie unfolded

West Brom took an early lead when Isaac Price found the net, but Newcastle were level by the break as Bazoumana Toure scored his first goal for the club. The hosts, who unveiled new signing Nico Gonzalez before kick-off, then moved ahead early in the second half through half-time substitute Barnes, who pounced after West Brom failed to clear their lines from a corner.

The Baggies levelled from the penalty spot as Price converted his second of the tie, but Barnes completed a brace of his own with a first-time finish from Amar Dedic's low cross in the 81st minute.

'We want to go all the way'

Despite conceding a penalty, Newcastle won the expected goals (xG) battle 2.83 to 1.49, with Barnes making a decisive contribution off the bench. The Magpies ended a 70-year wait for silverware by lifting the EFL Cup in 2024-25, and Barnes is eager for a repeat run.

"A few of the other senior players that are here have that taste of glory, and that's what we want," said Barnes. "The gaffer has had success in his career and he wants that as well, that is why he has come here, so there's a real emphasis on it. The ultimate goal is to go all the way."

Next stop: Millwall

Newcastle will now head to Championship side Millwall in the third round. The Magpies have won six of their last eight EFL Cup ties against teams from a lower division (D1 L1) and have won each of their last four since a 1-0 defeat to Brentford in the 2020-21 quarter-final.