MAD HATTERS' PREM CLASSIC

LONDON – Where to even begin with that epic eight-goal thriller at St James’ Park this afternoon?

Newcastle went in front through Sean Longstaff and the same man restored their early advantage after Luton levelled through Gabriel Osho.

Ross Barkley drew the Hatters level again five minutes before half-time and they then took control through a Carlton Morris penalty and another goal by Elijah Adebayo after the break.

But Newcastle had plenty left and after Kieran Trippier reduced the deficit, Harvey Barnes marked his return from a long injury lay-off by snatching a point.

Meanwhile, Roy Hodgson and Crystal Palace suffered a terrible afternoon as they were thrashed by their bitter rivals Brighton, who responded superbly to their midweek collapse at Luton. From the moment Lewis Dunk headed them in front just three minutes in, Brighton were in command and further goals by Jack Hinshelwood and Facundo Buonanotte crushed Palace.

Although Jean-Philippe Mateta’s goal offered a glimmer of hope, a fourth by Joao Pedro had the Amex in full gloating mood.

Pressure continues to mount on Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson after his side’s 3-0 defeat to rivals Brighton and A dramatic ending at Turf Moor as two goals from Chelsea loanee David Datro Fofana earned what could yet prove to be a crucial point in Burnley’s bid to escape relegation.

They trailed to goals by Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Muniz from the first-half with Fulham in firm control.

But Fofana sent the stadium into raptures by first halving the deficit with 19 minutes to play and then equalising in stoppage time.

That epic draw at St James’ Park means Newcastle miss the chance to move back above Manchester United into eighth place in the table.