RIO GRAND FOR REDS

Sub gives Toon teenage kick in teeth

- JOHN CROSS AT ST JAMES' PARK

THESE are nights when it is all about passion and character.

And the red-hot atmosphere at St James’ Park took us through a rollercoaster of emotions.

By the end of this classic it was easy to forget which team had 10 men and who were champions.

Everyone had long since forgotten about Alexander Isak. Alex who? No one could recall because Newcastle did not need him to produce a stirring, magnificent fightback.

Liverpool went 2-0 up, Newcastle were already down to 10 men following Anthony Gordon's reckless red card after a moment of madness.

The Toon Army somehow roared their team back, giving them the energy to produce a stunning turnaround.