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Newcastle United just about escaped a major Carabao Cup shock on Wednesday night, with Harvey Barnes coming off the bench to inspire a hard-earned 3-2 win over Championship side West Bromwich Albion. On a night that began with the glamorous unveiling of marquee signing Nico Gonzalez, the Magpies had to show plenty of resolve to book their place in the third round.

A night of celebration turns sour

The mood at a packed St James' Park was buzzing even before kick-off, as the Newcastle supporters welcomed their latest star. Gonzalez, the Argentina forward who recently sealed a headline-grabbing £52m switch from Manchester City, was introduced to the crowd in a clear statement of intent from the club's owners.

The home fans were left shell-shocked in the 19th minute when West Brom striker Isaac Price put the 2025 cup winners behind with a clever free-kick that silenced the stadium.

Toure debuts in style before Barnes makes instant impact

In spite of that early blow, Newcastle found their way back into the contest in the 38th minute just before the interval. Amar Dedic supplied an accurate ball into the area, and Bazoumana Toure slipped between West Brom defenders Chris Mepham and Alex Williams. The £43m summer signing from Hoffenheim made it count, marking his competitive debut with a clinical finish.

A half-time change proved crucial as Barnes came on for debut goalscorer Toure to alter the shape of the second half. The former Leicester City winger made his mark immediately in the 48th minute, bringing more directness to Newcastle's attack before bursting into the box and smashing in a loose ball after West Brom failed to deal properly with his first long-range attempt.

West Brom fight back from the spot

West Brom were not prepared to fade away and were handed a route back into the game when Harry Whitwell's cross hit Lewis Hall's hand inside the box, leaving the referee with little option but to award a penalty.

Price stepped up in the 77th minute and calmly sent Ewen Jaouen the wrong way to score his second of the evening, setting up a tense finish. At 2-2, the prospect of a penalty shootout loomed large over St James' Park as the visitors dropped deeper in a bid to protect their hopes of causing a cup upset.

Barnes secures the headlines

Just when a nerve-jangling shootout looked certain, Barnes struck the decisive blow in the 81st minute by converting Dedic's inviting cross. Timing his run perfectly, the England international applied a composed finish to send Newcastle into the last 32 and spark wild celebrations in the Gallowgate End.