Newcastle United striker William Osula said his stoppage-time winner against Manchester United was “the best feeling ever”, as the Magpies strengthened their push for European qualification.
A dramatic spell at the end of the first half at St. James’ Park saw Casemiro equalise after Anthony Gordon had converted from the spot. The penalty was awarded following Jacob Ramsey’s second yellow card for simulation, with all three incidents unfolding during added time.
After the break, Aaron Ramsdale produced two crucial saves to keep the score level. But in the 90th minute, Osula cut inside Tyrell Malacia and curled a precise finish into the bottom-left corner to seal victory.
The goal made Osula the eighth Newcastle player to net a 90th-minute Premier League winner as a substitute, and the first player from any club to score such a late winner against Manchester United in the competition.
Newcastle now sit on 39 points in 12th place, five points behind seventh-placed Brentford with nine matches remaining.
Speaking to TNT Sports and BBC Match of the Day, Osula said: “That was the best feeling ever. I was so happy for that.
“When I came on, I just prayed that I was going to score and make something happen and thank God, that that happened.
“I was practicing that in training yesterday, to cut in and finish it, so the hard work paid off.
“It was testing my pace a bit, that ball in behind, but I got there and was happy with my end product.”**
The defeat marked just the 10th time Manchester United have conceded a 90th-minute winner in the Premier League, with eight of those coming in the past four seasons.
Newcastle, meanwhile, have benefited from three such late goals in the league this term — also against Fulham in October and Leeds United in January — matching only the 2007-08 and 2012-13 campaigns for that tally.
Manager Eddie Howe praised Osula’s commitment, noting the forward had taken extra shots after training prior to the match.
“He [Osula] did 10 shots at the end of training and he wanted more. Fair play to him.
“It’s the desire to repeat and to practice. He’s delivered an amazing moment for the supporters here.
“It’s a great moment for him and he deserves it. Hopefully, it’s a turning point for him.
“A big moment for us. We’ve proved we’re competitive against any team.”