Newcastle United’s positive momentum continued at St James’ Park with a 2-1 victory over Burnley, stretching their unbeaten run to three games and giving fans another reason to believe the team is slowly finding rhythm again.
After a frustrating draw against Tottenham earlier in the week, Eddie Howe’s men responded with the right attitude, showing flashes of quality and resilience even in a match that became more complicated than expected.
It took more than half an hour before Newcastle found their breakthrough, but when it came, it was a moment of pure magic. Captain Bruno Guimarães produced a rare Olympico, curling the ball directly into the net from a corner.
It was the kind of goal that instantly lifts an entire stadium, and it perfectly captured the composure and technique that make the Brazilian such a vital part of this team.
during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal at St James’ Park on September 28, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Lee Parker – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Newcastle doubled their lead deep into first-half stoppage time. Burnley’s Lesley Ugochukwu conceded a penalty for handball, and Anthony Gordon stepped up with complete confidence, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and giving the Magpies what looked like a comfortable advantage.
Even with Burnley reduced to ten men after Lucas Pires’ early red card, the match was far from straightforward. The visitors fought back and were awarded a penalty of their own after Jacob Ramsey handled the ball.
Zion Flemming made no mistake from the spot, giving Burnley a lifeline. They pushed late on, but Newcastle defended well enough to secure all three points.
Bruno and Gordon were easily two of the brightest players on the pitch. Both scored decisive goals not only in this game but also earlier in the week against Tottenham, proving how important they have become to Howe’s attack.
Bruno showed his usual tenacity, winning duels and leading the midfield with authority, while Gordon delivered another energetic display, earning praise from Chronicle Live’s Lee Ryder, who highlighted his constant threat and gave him a strong rating for his overall contribution.
While those two shined again, it was not an afternoon to remember for Nick Woltemade. The summer signing struggled to impose himself on the match and was described by reporters as “sloppy” and disconnected from the flow of play.
His involvement was minimal, and his numbers underline just how little impact he had despite starting in the central attacking role. In fact, Woltemade had fewer touches than goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, which tells a big story about how isolated he was throughout the game.
Below is a simplified look at his performance:
| Statistic | Number |
|---|---|
| Touches | 17 |
| Passes Completed | 11/12 |
| Shots | 1 |
| Duels Won | 1 |
| Key Passes | 0 |
These figures reflect a difficult performance for a player who was signed to bring more presence and creativity in the final third. Ryder gave him a 6/10 rating, noting that he lacked service but also failed to influence the match when he did get the ball.
His struggle was particularly notable because Yoane Wissa finally made his long-awaited debut, replacing Woltemade with around 15 minutes left. The home crowd greeted the new signing warmly, and although he did not have much time to show what he can offer, his presence alone has sparked a fresh debate about Howe’s next lineup.
With Wissa now returning to full fitness, the pressure on Woltemade increases. It is natural to wonder whether Howe will keep faith in him or opt for a change in the coming games.
Newcastle’s schedule is packed, with Premier League matches, Champions League fixtures, and Carabao Cup ties all before the end of the year, followed by the FA Cup in early January. Managing minutes, avoiding fatigue, and keeping players sharp will be essential.
Woltemade may end up being rotated out, especially after such an isolated and unconvincing display. This does not necessarily mean he has no future impact to make, but with competition increasing and expectations rising, Howe will need to choose players who offer immediate influence in key moments.
The win over Burnley was important, but the storylines within the match suggest bigger decisions are coming, and the push for consistency will require difficult choices. For now, Newcastle continue to move forward, boosted by standout performances from their leaders and quietly preparing for the challenges ahead.
