When Jacob Murphy’s shot took a big deflection and eluded Karl Darlow in the 69th minute, many at St. James’ Park, and those watching around the world, presumed that getting something from the game was a bridge too far for the Newcastle United. However, what followed was perhaps one of the most awe-inspiring performances the Magpies have put in for quite some time.
From 1-3 down with 20 odd minutes left to play, the hosts turned it around in injury time to go within a point of Norwich City, but no one will be talking about the table right now. The performance, which pretty much sums up how well the team has developed under Rafa, will undoubtedly remain in the fans’ hearts no matter what happens this season.
It was an important tie for the two sides who were relegated last season and Newcastle looked to have the upper hand early on. In fact, Rafa’s side were irresistible in the first half and had they taken their chances, we wouldn’t be talking about the Istanbul-esque come back from the men in Black and White. Dwight Gayle’s strike gave them the lead in the 24th minute, but as many feared, their profligacy in front of goal made the half time team talk for Rafa a bit different as Graham Dorrans converted his penalty late in the first half to make it all square.
The Canaries had the momentum going into the second half and scored twice to open up a two-goal lead, something that should’ve been enough to win the game. However, hat-trick hero Dwight Gayle had other ideas. The Englishman has been in fine form so far this season and was in the thick of it all on the night. His strike, just two minutes after Norwich’s third, brought Newcastle back into the game.
Gayle’s winner in the 96th minute threw the fans into a delirium and post full-time, the scenes were unbelievable. It might have been the Champions League game week, but the comeback was so good, that it had the social media buzzing. Here are some of the best tweets we could find.
You will never see a game like that. Newcastle up to third
— Mark Douglas (@MsiDouglas) September 28, 2016
This is possibly the greatest image you’ll ever see. #NUFC pic.twitter.com/Zg7SmyScc1
— ㅤ (@NUFCMedia) September 28, 2016
Listen to the roar when the final whistle blows, wow! ???????????????????????? What a game, that’s why you never ever ever leave a game early #nufc pic.twitter.com/ON4JSdssPy
— NUFC Banter (@NUFC_Banter) September 28, 2016
Mitrovic needs to be put in a lab and studied. #NUFC https://t.co/b1rZp24maB
— ???? (@amadoit_) September 28, 2016
Spectacular, simply spectacular. I’m still carrying that excitement from yesterday. I’m elated. #NUFC #HowayTheLads
— NUFC 360 (@NUFC360) September 29, 2016
One of the best finishes to a game I’ve ever seen. Unbelievable! #NUFC pic.twitter.com/B2EvSfTFqN
— Lee Marshall (@LeeMarshall9) September 28, 2016
This is magic! #nufc https://t.co/pHL3XHQD6R
— NUFC Index (@NUFC_Index) September 28, 2016
