Match Report: Newcastle United 2-3 Brentford

Brentford left St James’ Park with all three points after brushing aside Newcastle United with a late winner in a dramatic Premier League encounter.

By Liam Rafferty

The Magpies opened the scoring in the 24th minute through Sven Botman on his 100th appearance for the club - Bruno Guimarães delivered a dangerous corner into the box, and Botman rose highest to power a header past the Brentford goalkeeper.

Brentford responded in the 37th minute with a headed goal of their own, as Vitaly Janelt found the net to bring the visitors level.

After a lengthy VAR check, Brentford were awarded a penalty deep into first-half stoppage time, and Igor Thiago converted from the spot to give the Bees a 2-1 lead at the break.

Newcastle pushed for a response in the second half and were rewarded in the 79th minute when they won a penalty of their own - Guimarães stepped up and calmly dispatched the spot-kick to restore parity.

However, Brentford had the final say - in the 85th minute, Dango Ouattara struck to give the visitors the lead once more, sealing a late winner and condemning Newcastle to defeat.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe made four changes to the side that had been thrashed by Liverpool, with Guimarães returning to make his first Premier League start since the draw at Wolves.

Botman, Jacob Murphy and Yoane Wissa also came into the XI, while Dan Burn, Jacob Ramsey and Anthony Elanga dropped to the bench.

Anthony Gordon, who had been forced off injured in the Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg defeat to Manchester City, missed out entirely.

Brentford boss Keith Andrews made just one change from the side that battled to victory at Aston Villa, and it was enforced.

Kevin Schade was suspended following his red card in that match, with Lewis-Potter coming into the starting XI to operate on the left side of 'The Bees’ attack.

Newcastle went close to doubling their lead in the 28th minute - Barnes surged forward on a run before cutting the ball back to Wissa, his goalbound effort was brilliantly cleared off the line by Janelt with an outstretched leg - Wissa was left still waiting for a goal against his former club.

Brentford nearly added a fourth in the ninth minute of second-half stoppage time - 'The Bees' broke forward once again and Ouattara beat his man, shifted onto his right foot and fired over the bar.

Attention now turns to Newcastle’s next fixture, away at Tottenham.