Newcastle had to come from two goals down to snatch a point from the jaws of defeat against a West Brom side led by interim manager Gary Megson.
A late own goal from Jonny Evans ended a four-game losing run for the Magpies and brought them some much needed momentum heading into their game against Chelsea on Saturday.
West Brom drew first blood in first half stoppage time, when Kieran Gibbs got to the by-line on the left wing and floated a cross into the box which Hal Robson-Kanu was all too happy to nod home to give the Baggies the lead.
The goal looked to have deflated Newcastle as they were slow to start the second half and paid the price when Matt Phillips’ exquisite ball was tapped home by Sam Field at the back post.
Conceding a second kicked the Magpies into action though, as Ciaran Clark leapt like a salmon to head home Matt Ritchie’s corner just 3 minutes later and kick-started a comeback for Benitez’s side.
Newcastle piled the pressure on in search of the equaliser and finally got one in the 83rd minute when another Ritchie set piece found its way into the back of the net, this time courtesy of a huge deflection off Jonny Evans.
The biggest concern for Rafa Benitez and his coaching team following this game will be Newcastle’s vulnerability in the wide areas, with 8 of the last 9 goals they’ve shipped coming from crosses including today’s two.
The magpies can take positives from this result though, they showed fight and commitment, something they have lacked in recent times in the absence of skipper Jamaal Lascelles. It could be argued that stronger Newcastle squads under Pardew, McLaren and their ilk would have folded as the second goal went in, but this side showed desire to get something to take back to St James’ Park.
Newcastle now face the daunting task of travelling to the home of the champions on Saturday, as they look for their first win in 5 games against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Listen to our podcast on the game here:
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