Though their return to the Premier League was already confirmed, the Magpies still had something to play for heading into a midday kick-off against Barnsley at St. James’ Park. Having needed just one more win to clinch the Championship title, Brighton & Hove Albion – promoted a week earlier than Newcastle – had suffered back-to-back defeats, allowing Rafa Benitez’s side to cut the gap at the top to just one point.
The Seagulls travelled to Aston Villa on the last day, where anything less than victory would open the door for United…
Sunday, 7th May
Newcastle United 3 Barnsley 0
In the end, it could hardly have panned out in more dramatic fashion.
Though Newcastle took their time to get going against the Tykes – winless in four ahead of the clash – they rarely looked back after taking the lead through Ayoze Perez midway through the first half.
Heading into the interval, United had overhauled Brighton at the summit, with the scoreline goalless at Villa Park.
Becoming increasingly dominant, the Magpies moved further into the ascendancy thanks to Chancel Mbemba just before the hour-mark.
Then, a double whammy. Down in the Second City, Nathan Baker saw red for Villa after fouling Sam Baldock inside the penalty area. Glenn Murray converted the resultant spot-kick to put the Seagulls in pole position once more.
At St. James’ Park, Barnsley perked up as time wore on, but failed to find a way past Rob Elliot.
And, with normal time all but over, it was Newcastle who had the final say, as substitute Dwight Gayle held his line before producing a calm finish.
Still, they needed a favour from Villa – a side with whom they had dropped out of the Premier League 12 months prior.
And, amazingly, they got it. With less than a minute remaining, Jack Grealish cut in from the left for the Villains, and the midfielder’s right-footed effort caught out goalkeeper David Stockdale and nestled in the far corner.
St. James’ was rocking as word filtered through. With the final score at Villa Park confirmed, United’s players collapsed into a heap on the pitch, before lifting the trophy in front of a jubilant crowd.
