There really is no substitute for sheer class
TWO Super Subs produced the perfect escape route to thankfully get Newcastle United out of jail.
Despite the lift of a goal after only 20 seconds against the worst defence in the Premier League, the Mags found themselves pegged back at 1-1 and were being outplayed as a must-win game entered its final 10 minutes.
Then the two-minute marvels struck to condemn West Bromwich to their usual fate.
Within two minutes of coming on Dwight Gayle had seen a superb header cleared off the line with the goalkeeper beaten and again within two minutes of arrival another substitute Jacob Murphy set up Gayle for a winner.
If United had predictably made things tough for themselves it must be said the goal which assured them of three points was out of the top drawer.
Murphy took one look and whipped a right-foot cross arrowed with pace and power deep into the Albion box.
Gayle, as lively as a deer on the glide, arced between two leadenfooted defenders to crash a header into the rigging. Oh the relief. The sheer cheek-puffing, eye-rolling delight of a job which had to be done finally being done.
I had trumpeted in my prematch piece that no excuses would be acceptable given the quality of the opposition. Matt Richie had promised no excuses. Steve Bruce had said no excuses.
So nine minutes from normal time the book of fragile explanation could be put away and backto-back victories enjoyed.
Because in reality there were no excuses available despite the coronavirus crisis.
In the end United’s team was strong despite the lack of a second natural centre back with the deputising Isaac Hayden significantly better than most on show.
Yet United might easily have blown it.
They dominated the first half against a West Brom side showing why they have the worst goals against record in the top flight and the second worst scoring record.
Cannot keep ‘em out and cannot put ‘em in.
However, the Mags are never capable of sweeping opposition aside so come the second half the visitors unbelievably were in the ascendancy.
Newcastle gifted them an equaliser and West Brom took the fight deep into United territory before two replacements decided to put us out of our misery.
Albion are so generous of nature they kicked off but still managed to concede after only 20 seconds.
Callum Wilson muscled Branislav Ivanovic off the ball and fed Joelinton who flicked a lovely pass wide right for Miggy Almiron to finish with aplomb.
Other chances came and went - Joelinton and Almiron guilty finishers - and suddenly five minutes into the second half the ultimate penalty was paid.
Yes Darnell Furlong finished with a rapier thrust from a Matt Phillips cross Jamal Lewis defended with all the defiance of a twig caught in a high wind.
He was first to the ball but, weak to the point of submissive, allowed Furlong to power past him and thrash a shot past Karl Darlow.
Lewis later gave way to Gayle - thank goodness as it turned out - and Emil Krafth to Murphy and the stage was set.