ST JAMES’ PARK – This was something very special at St James’ Park – a comeback as sensational as it was significant for
Yet how do you craft a sober analysis from such an intoxicating game? This was 110 minutes of unmitigated midday madness – two substitutes subbed, two apopletic managers booked, a pair of VAR penalties, a red card, seven goals andBarnes was brilliant – his second and winning goal absolutely sensational – but it was typical of this crazy contest that his 67th minute introduction was almost by chance.
Of course it hasn’t worked out that way. Barnes’ injury is just one of many in a season that has been ravaged by fitness issues. So many big hitters are missing – Nick Pope, Callum Wilson, Sven Botman and Kieran Trippier all absent here – but there seems to be no let-up.