Newcastle 2 Burnley 0
The Magpies welcomed newly-promoted Burnley to St James’ Park, with the visitors not having won a game at this ground in 47 years. Eddie Howe’s side were full of confidence having knocked Man City out of the Carabao Cup in the week.
Burnley created the first chance of the game as Koleosho pounced on a Burn error to get into the box and square the ball to Amdouni, but his tame effort allowed Pope to save with his feet. It is these missed chances that are costing Vincent Kompany’s side dearly.
Kompany said before the game how this was one of the toughest grounds to come and get a result at but judging by what we have seen from his side so far this season, that could be said of every ground in the Premier League, including Turf Moor.
It did not take The Magpies long to open the scoring as Miguel Almiron struck from outside the box, beating James Trafford with an effort into the top corner. It was a mistake by Ramsey that gifted the ball to the hosts and they were duly punished.
Credit: @NUFC
Newcastle had another chance as Isak was sent through but his first touch was heavier than a night out in the town and as he managed to scramble past the keeper, he got it all wrong as he was off balance and could not knock the ball into an empty net.
Longstaff then clipped a cross into the box, finding the diving head of Anderson, but Trafford made a fantastic stop with his trailing hand to deny him. There is no doubt that Burnley have picked up a good prospect in the England U21 keeper.
The Magpies continued to press in the second half and Kieran Trippier was continuing to cause problems down the right flank. His deliveries into box were all too often too good for anyone to be able to get on the end of.
Gordon then went on a run into the box and the challenge from Al Dakhil was clumsy at best as he got none of the ball and all of the player. Not quite sure the challenge warranted the seventeen rolls on the ground by Anthony Gordon however. The Newcastle winger could end third world hunger when his football career comes to an end as he can make a meal out of anything.
Isak stepped up, sent the keeper the wrong way, and slotted the ball into the bottom corner. It was safe to say at this stage that is was Goodnight Vienna for Burnley. They tried to find a way back into the game but as the ball came to Odobert on the back post, his effort was deflected wide.
From the resulting corner, Al Dakhil met it with his head and only a fingertip save from Nick Pope could keep the ball out of the top corner of the goal. So close for The Clarets but such is their luck at the moment, they would come runner-up in a raffle only they had bought tickets for.
Credit: @NUFC
It was a great atmosphere at St James’ Park, their fans are enjoying what they are seeing on the pitch and the results are backing this up. It was a tough start to the season for The Magpies but they are now starting to turn things around. In the last two games they have played two newly-promoted sides, scoring ten goals and conceding none.
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