Harvey Barnes sends Newcastle into Carabao Cup third round with West Brom double

Newcastle United twice came from behind before Harvey Barnes’ second goal secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over West Brom and a place in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

West Brom made the brighter start and went ahead in the 19th minute when Isaac Price caught Newcastle goalkeeper Antonio Jaouen off guard with an audacious free-kick.

Newcastle recovered before the interval, with summer signing Bazoumana Toure marking his debut by heading in a dangerous delivery from Amar Dedic.

Barnes was brought on at half-time and needed little time to influence the contest. His first attempt was blocked, but the Newcastle forward reacted quickest to the loose ball and finished to put the hosts ahead.

West Brom continued to threaten and were rewarded when Lewis Hall was penalised for handball inside the area. Price converted the resulting penalty to complete his brace and restore parity.

Newcastle pressed for a decisive third goal, with Hall going close when his effort struck the post. Barnes eventually found the winning finish, showing composure to convert another cross from Dedic and settle an entertaining tie.

The result extends a lively beginning to Newcastle’s season, coming three days after their 2-2 Premier League draw with Liverpool. Barnes’ performance was especially significant against one of his former clubs, as his second-half introduction ultimately proved decisive.

Newcastle head coach Matthias Jaissle praised Barnes, while also highlighting the displays of Dedic and Sean Steur. The German manager also provided an injury update on Will Osula, confirming that the forward will undergo further scans on the foot problem that is being assessed by the club.

Jaissle reiterated his desire to strengthen the squad before the transfer deadline, although he declined to reveal which positions Newcastle are targeting.

“Yes, I want more signings,” he said. “Where? This is something I will not tell you. But yes, I will push every day for new signings.”

The manager said Newcastle’s recruitment policy would continue to prioritise younger players who can develop, rather than experienced players approaching the end of their careers.

“We want to continue our brave way, not bringing in guys who are close to retirement,” he said.

Before kick-off, Newcastle unveiled Nico Gonzalez at St James’ Park. Jaissle expressed his satisfaction at completing the midfielder’s arrival and said he could make a significant contribution in an important area of the pitch.

“I’m very happy to see Nico become a Newcastle United player,” he said. “He brings serious quality and elite experience in a key area of the pitch.”

Jaissle believes Gonzalez’s ability to carry the ball, withstand pressure and contribute defensively will make him well suited to the demands of English football.

“Nico is a really strong ball carrier – somebody who can drive the team forward while staying composed under pressure,” Jaissle said.

“He also brings discipline defensively, he reads the game well and his physicality makes him well suited to the Premier League.”

Newcastle sporting director Ross Wilson said the club had remained committed to signing Gonzalez after identifying him as their leading choice for the role.

“This was the one we wanted, and we’re delighted to welcome Nico to Newcastle United,” Wilson said.

“He fits the exact criteria we set for this position and we weren’t prepared to compromise on that.”

Newcastle’s next fixture is a Premier League meeting with Tottenham Hotspur at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday.