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Substitutions rescued Newcastle United to victory over West Brom

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - AUGUST 26: Harvey Barnes of Newcastle United scores his team’s third goal during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Newcastle United and West Bromwich Albion at St James' Park on August 26, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Matthias Jaissle put out a rotated Newcastle eleven as the Magpies went up against West Bromwich Albion. A challenging night endured for the Toon, as they went a goal down before Bazoumana Toure levelled it before half-time.

But changes at half-time and midway through the second half provided impact for the Toon Army, as they scrapped past the Baggies and put into question Newcastle's lack of depth, as the Subs helped the Magpies into the second round.

Substitutions helped Newcastle over the line

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - AUGUST 26: Bazoumana Toure of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Newcastle United and West Bromwich Albion at St James' Park on August 26, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Whilst the defence was full strength and unchanged, there was rotation in midfield and attack, with Nick Woltemade making his first start of the new season, along with starts for Toure and Ewen Jaouen.

In the opening 15 minutes, there was good progression, with players finding space inside the box. Still, after giving away a free kick to the Baggies, Isaac Price dispatched it past Jaouen, and there was a drop-off from the home side.

Woltemade struggled to make much of an impact; lacking connectivity and sync with Lewis Hall and Toure, there was still an effort going up the pitch, but it was almost like a slow push into the Albion six-yard box, not at the desired tempo, which was similar on Sunday afternoon.

They managed to bring the game back level when Amar Dedic's cross into the box was placed into the back of the net by Toure. However, he was replaced at half-time with Harvey Barnes coming on.

Barnes wasted no time, putting Newcastle into the lead, and when Yoane Wissa, Lewis Miley, and Anthony Elanga came on, there was a fresh energy for the home side.

The Magpies got pegged back immediately after history repeated itself: 72 hours after giving away a late penalty against Liverpool, Hall conceded a penalty inside the box.

Substitutions provided fresh energy

Newcastle conceded again from the spot, due to Hall's handball given away for a penalty, which Price dispatched. But with Wissa, Elanga, Miley, and Barnes on, it just gave Newcastle the urgency and energy to drive forward and create better chances.

As the clock approached 80 minutes, Elanga had the ball and was on the right flank, looking to get into the Baggies' box, and he held the ball, controlled it and picked out Dedic, who played it across Barnes to score the winner.

Newcastle survived a scare against West Brom, with the substitutions working again, much like they did on Sunday, and it also highlights how much work needs to be done on Newcastle's squad.

Nico Gonzalez will be a great addition for them, as he can hold the ball, control it, and continue to dictate play forward, which has been lacking in the Newcastle midfield in these past two games.

Woltemade was given the opportunity tonight, but was unable to take it and make the most of it, making his future at the club uncertain.

The subs were important tonight, but Newcastle need players who can replicate that energy, particularly going forward. Toure needs time and hasn't had enough time playing on that left side with Hall.

But Newcastle were bailed out of jail tonight, and that puts into question whether some of these players, who have been around for a while or, in Woltemade's case, a year, are good enough to continue.

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