Brilliant AND honest Harvey Barnes ‘I don’t think I was the most popular man at half-time…’ | OneFootball

I love Harvey Barnes.

He comes across as a really canny lad, clearly a real team player on and off the pitch, somebody you can’t imagine causes Eddie Howe any headaches with his attitude, even when out of the team.

In many ways he encapsulates the kind of player Eddie Howe has brought to Newcastle United, a quality character as well as a quality player.

Harvey Barnes is easily the best finisher at the club, indeed, I don’t think many, if any, are better in the Premier League overall.

That is why, it was such a shock when he failed not once but twice in the first half on Saturday.

I can only think it was the fact it was in the opening seconds and Harvey Barnes was caught cold, when Joelinton dispossessed the Man City defender on the edge of the penalty area, then normally so clinical in these situations on his favoured right foot, Barnes instead put his effort far too close to Donnarumma.

The one from Murphy’s low cross was inexplicable, 100 times out of 100 Harvey Barnes will score that. I suppose this was the one in 101 that he misses, an open goal at the back post and only thing possibly, was it being his left foot.

I have since looked at the replays and actually he could have been marginally offside, which is a relief to me and should be an even bigger one for Harvey Barnes.

Speaking of replays. I was towards the Leazes end and so didn’t have the best view of the winning goal. I saw Woltemade headed it and then Bruno headed it against the bar, before Barnes forced it over the line. Watch again though, inside St James’ Park I thought this was a good and instinctive but simple finish, then seeing the replays though, this was incredible footwork from Harvey Barnes to manipulate the ball into the position where he could put it away.

Nothing mistaken with his first goal though.

At the time I thought it was a breathtaking and beautiful move and finish. Seeing the replays and how Bruno and Barnes combined, just wow!

If Harvey Barnes had the pace to match his finishing, he would be world class.

With ok pace and brilliant finishing ability, he is instead ‘only’ Premier League class, just look at his record of assists and goals!!!

Harvey Barnes reflecting on Newcastle 2 Manchester City 1 and asked about his goals that brought victory:

“It feels great to be the matchwinner.

“I don’t think I was the most popular man at half-time…

“Glad to make up for it in the second half with a couple of good (ED: Modest as ever) goals and it was a great win for us.

“Hopefully, after today’s result, we can kick on and go on a good run.

“It (the second goal) was just about adjusting and finding any way to get it in.

“It’s horrible that two minute wait for VAR but delighted when it is given to get back into the game.

“Showed good character to get ahead again.

“It’s a big win for us, it really is. To get the result against a top, top team, it gives you even more confidence.”

Harvey Barnes asked about the home form, now six wins in a row at St James’ Park:

“It is a special place to play your football.

“Our big thing has been making teams uncomfortable to play here.