Shay Given has moved to defend Harvey Barnes for a decision he made in Newcastle United’s Champions League defeat to Barcelona.
Newcastle United’s return to the Champions League got off to a losing start on Thursday, as they were defeated 2-1 by Barcelona.
Eddie Howe’s side came flying out of the traps amid an incredible St. James’ Park atmosphere, with Anthony Elanga’s blistering pace frightening the visitors.
Elanga created several great chances, but Newcastle, with Nick Woltemade sat on the bench, were unable to take any.
The Magpies were left with a familiar feeling of regret when Marcus Rashford scored a bullet header before swiftly doubling Barcelona’s lead with an absolute rocket in the second half.
Anthony Gordon did pull a goal back late on, but it was too little, too late, after he had offered little attacking threat in the 89 minutes beforehand.
Harvey Barnes was also a culprit after squandering a great chance but Shay Given has defended him.
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Shay Given says Harvey Barnes couldn’t do anything else with his missed chance vs Barcelona
Elanga was lightning in the opening half, putting a chance for each of Gordon and Barnes on a silver platter.
Gordon completely missed the ball with his effort, whereas when Barnes met Elanga’s perfect cross, after a lung-busting run, he was denied by Joan Garcia from close range.
Ally McCoist, on commentary, said Barnes should have hit the ball back across the goalkeeper instead of going for the near post, but Newcastle legend Given believes he couldn’t have done such a thing.
Given said on TNT Sports: “We did mention Garcia the goalkeeper before the game.
“It’s a brilliant save. We’re wondering can Harvey Barnes send it back to where it came from?
“I don’t think he can, I think he’s got a good contact, and you’ve got to give Garcia some great credit.”
Either way, Newcastle failed to capitalise on the chances they created and missed a golden opportunity to claim a historic European victory.
Anthony Elanga dazzles for Newcastle United against Barcelona
Short of inventing teleportation so he could get on the end of his own crosses to score, there’s not much more Elanga could have done to get Newcastle the win.
The Swede had Barcelona’s defenders on toast as he scorched past them down the flank and his great play should have been rewarded with at least one assist.
Speaking on his work to create Barnes’ chance, Joe Cole said: “The ball comes in here, Elanga does fantastically well.
“Look at the desire, the drive to get in there and the timing of the run. He gets in, and it’s a wonderful ball.”
After that display, Elanga has to start at the weekend against Bournemouth.
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