Newcastle United secured a hard-fought 2-1 Premier League victory over a resilient Burnley side at St James' Park, in a match defined by a moment of magic from Bruno Guimarães and a costly first-half red card.
Guimarães Wonder Strike and Pires Red Card
The match turned decisively in Newcastle's favour during a chaotic first half. The breakthrough came in an extraordinary fashion as Bruno Guimarães whipped a corner kick that swerved viciously, deceiving Burnley goalkeeper Martin Dubravka and dropping directly into the net. It was a rare goal scored straight from a corner, handing the Magpies an unlikely lead.
Burnley's task became monumental just before half-time when defender Lucas Pires was shown a straight red card. Pires fouled Anthony Elanga just outside the area as the winger was clean through on goal, leaving referee with little choice. The visitors' misery was compounded in first-half stoppage time when a handball by Lesley Ugochukwu conceded a penalty.
Gordon Seals It Before Nervy Finish
Anthony Gordon stepped up and calmly sent Dubravka the wrong way from the spot, doubling Newcastle's advantage. The England winger had earlier hit the post and was a constant threat before being substituted later in the game.
Despite being a man down and facing a two-goal deficit, Scott Parker's Burnley refused to capitulate. They were rewarded for their perseverance late on when a handball in the Newcastle area gave them a penalty of their own. Substitute Zian Flemming converted from the spot to set up a tense finale.
Incredibly, Flemming had a golden chance to snatch a dramatic equaliser in the dying seconds but narrowly failed to connect with a Marcus Edwards free-kick, sparing Newcastle's blushes. The result leaves Burnley mired in a poor run of form, while Eddie Howe's side secured three valuable points ahead of a busy period including Champions League and derby fixtures.
Key Talking Points and Context
The match was also notable for the return of former Newcastle keeper Martin Dubravka to St James' Park. The Slovakian, who left the club in the summer, made several good saves but could do little about the two goals. Newcastle's performance, while ultimately successful, highlighted a lack of creativity in open play, making Guimarães's set-piece brilliance all the more crucial.
For Burnley manager Scott Parker, it was a frustrating return to a ground where he once played for Newcastle. His side showed commendable spirit after the red card but ultimately fell to a sixth consecutive Premier League defeat. The late penalty miss from Flemming will be a haunting moment in their fight for survival.
