‘Incredible’… Eddie Howe blown away by Newcastle star who can be ‘so valuable’ now

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It will take a long time to process what Newcastle United produced on Saturday afternoon.

Eddie Howe’s side remain utterly hopeless defensively and injury problems simply do not subside but Newcastle are fighters, there is little doubt about that.

Indeed, they came from 3-1 down to beat West Ham 4-3 in a Premier League classic at St James’ Park.

This is a team capable of great moments. They have beaten all of Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, Chelsea, both Manchester clubs, Aston Villa and Sunderland this season. If Newcastle were a boxer, their knockout reel would be quite something.

At some point, questions about the defending will need to be asked, as well as the sheer number injuries the club are constantly having to deal with.

For now, however, it’s time to revel in the excitement of such a dramatic win.

Harvey Barnes was instrumental in it, of course.

Such has been Newcastle’s luck on the injury front this season, the winger picked up a problem the club’s medical staff had never seen in football before and then suffered a hamstring issue more recently.

However, he returned to the fray and scored two goals, levelling the game at 3-3 before striking a glorious winner and was duly serenaded by supporters.

Howe, as you might imagine, was absolutely thrilled.

Eddie Howe praises “incredible” Harvey Barnes after rescuing Newcastle

Speaking to BBC Sport after the game, Howe was effusive in his praise of the winger.

“He is an incredible player,” he said.

“We have missed him this season and he would have given us quality wherever he played. He is a goalscorer and they are so valuable and his two finishes today were of the highest quality.

“Of course, the last one was memorable and will always be remembered and what a finish it was. That’s the quality he has.”

Harvey Barnes will be needed against Everton

In an ideal world, Barnes would be gently brought back into the first-team having suffered so many injuries.

Newcastle, however, seemingly do not operate in a perfect world when it comes to injuries this season.

Instead, Barnes will get another chance to add to his tally now Anthony Gordon is suspended for the visit of Everton on Tuesday following his second yellow against West Ham.