I saw something I never have before during Newcastle United’s win at Leicester City - it said everything
Harvey Barnes was on the scoresheet against former club Leicester City in Newcastle United’s 3-0 win.
Newcastle United winger Harvey Barnes was given a warm reception on his return to Leicester City on Monday evening.
Barnes was back at the King Power Stadium for the first time since joining the Magpies for £38million in the summer of 2023. The Foxes had just been relegated from the Premier League but bounced back at the first attempt as Championship winners.
And unfortunately for Leicester, they are heading back to England’s second-tier. Their 3-0 defeat to United last night leaves them 15 adrift of 17th place Wolverhampton Wanderers with eight matches left to play.
Jacob Murphy put Newcastle in front after just two minutes when he converted Tino Livramento’s low cross. Murphy added his and the team’s side second when Fabian Schar’s halfway line shot cannoned off the crossbar and into the winger’s path.
Barnes then got on the score sheet at his old stomping with the easiest taps in after following up Joelinton’s saved effort. To little surprise, it was a muted celebration from the 27-year-old.
But in a moment rarely seen before, Barnes’ goal was cheered by the away AND home supporters. The latter then immediately started chanting ‘Barnes will tear you apart again’ before Newcastle fans joined in.
Barnes is still affectionally remembered by Leicester, having come through the academy before going on to make 187 first-team appearances. He was also part of the team that won the FA Cup in 2021.
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However, had the Foxes been within a fighting chance of staying up, it’s safe to say their fans wouldn’t have reacted like that. It was typical of a home crowd who are accepting, yet rightly fed up with the situation in which they find themselves.
Harvey Barnes & Eddie Howe react to Newcastle United’s win at Leicester City
While Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side remain in a perilous position, the win was an important one for Newcastle and their quest for Champions League qualification as they moved back up to fifth in the Premier League table.
"We are going into games at the minute feeling confident we are going to win,” Barnes told Sky Sports after the game. That is the mindset we need for the rest of the season. We have a lot to play for and need to keep this run going.
“We know we are in a good position in the table. All we can do is our job and win our games and we will finish in the top four or five. If we win the games the teams will be chasing us and not us chasing them.
“That was one of our main aims this season to win silverware which we have done. We made it clear after that we need to reset. There is a lot to play for and we have started that period really well with two wins. We don't want the season now to finish on a downer. We are fully focused."
Barnes and the Magpies are next in action when Manchester United visit St James’ Park on Sunday afternoon.