Yoane Wissa’s emotions spilled over in a way few people saw on television as Newcastle United produced one of the most dramatic nights St James’ Park has witnessed in years. The Magpies’ incredible 4–3 victory over Leeds United was packed with twists, late goals, and pure chaos, but it was the raw passion shown after the final strike that truly captured what the club is becoming again.
This was a night that meant far more than three points. It came at a time when former Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan is battling illness, and the spirit shown by the team felt like a fitting tribute to a man who once made this club famous for excitement and belief.
On the pitch, Newcastle were forced to dig deep, falling behind three times against a fearless Leeds side that played without fear. Each time, Eddie Howe’s players found a way back, showing composure when it mattered most and courage when the pressure was at its highest.
When Bruno Guimarães calmly converted a penalty deep into stoppage time to make it 3–3, it felt like a hard-earned escape rather than a turning point. Newcastle had been second best for long spells and were staring at dropped points.
But once the board went up showing ten minutes of added time, something shifted inside the stadium. The crowd sensed it, the players felt it, and suddenly Newcastle were not satisfied with a draw.
Then came the moment that blew the roof off St James’ Park. In the 102nd minute, Harvey Barnes found space, turned sharply, and fired home a shot that sparked absolute mayhem.
Watch the video here: Wissa Goes wild
The Leazes End erupted, noise pouring down onto the pitch as players and supporters exploded together in celebration. It was football at its most emotional, the kind of moment that stays with fans forever.
As the celebrations unfolded, memories of Newcastle’s past glory briefly returned. The corner flag was pulled from the turf in scenes that echoed Tino Asprilla’s famous celebrations during the Kevin Keegan era. Jacob Murphy lifted it high, passing it on to Barnes as teammates piled together.
Wissa initially tried to calm things down, urging focus for the final seconds, but the emotion was too strong. The DR Congo international grabbed the black and white flag, waved it with pride, and planted it firmly into the ground, a simple but powerful act that showed just how deeply he already feels connected to the club.
That passion said everything. Wissa has not been at Newcastle long, but moments like this show why supporters have taken to him so quickly. His joy was not forced or staged. It was the reaction of a player who understands what nights like this mean to the city, the fans, and the badge.
Harvey Barnes, meanwhile, was almost lost in the madness of his own match-winning moment. The forward has quietly gone about his work this season, never complaining when asked to play out wide or come off the bench.
On this night, he was rewarded in spectacular fashion, scoring twice and delivering when it mattered most.
After the game, Barnes admitted the winner was a blur. He spoke about instinct taking over, about bodies in the box and reacting in a split second. That honesty summed up the moment perfectly. It was not about technique or planning, but desire and belief.
With his two goals, Barnes now has eight and nine for the season, putting him joint top scorer. Since his £38 million move from Leicester, he has scored 23 goals for the club, a return that now looks like incredible value.
The victory lifted Newcastle up to sixth place in the Premier League table, a remarkable position given the challenges they have faced this season.
Injuries, tough fixtures, and moments of doubt have tested the squad, yet they now find themselves looking up rather than over their shoulders. With teams above them within reach, the race for Europe is very much alive again.
Eddie Howe struck a calm but confident tone after the match. He spoke about continuing to push forward, about building on recent performances, and about confidence lifting the level of the entire team.
There was no talk of settling or standing still. This felt like a manager who believes momentum is finally swinging his side’s way.
Above all, the night sent a clear message. No game is ever finished at St James’ Park. Newcastle have rediscovered their fight, their belief, and their ability to thrill.
With players like Wissa showing such deep passion and Barnes delivering when it matters most, there is a growing sense that something special could be building again. Newcastle might just be back, and nights like this are the reason supporters keep believing.
