Sandro Tonali dedicates a whole post to £13m star who went unnoticed in Newcastle United win
Newcastle United’s Champions League ambitions received another significant boost on Monday night as Eddie Howe’s side strolled to a comfortable 3-0 victory against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.
The Magpies barely needed to shift out of neutral against a Foxes side that offered minimal resistance, with Jacob Murphy’s early brace and Harvey Barnes’ goal against his former club sealing a routine three points that propelled Newcastle back into fifth place.
This dominant display marked Newcastle’s second consecutive Premier League win since their Carabao Cup triumph, demonstrating their ability to maintain focus amid the celebrations.
The result takes on added significance with UEFA potentially awarding five Champions League places to English clubs this season, while Newcastle’s game in hand over several rivals gives them a crucial advantage in the top-four race.
While Leicester’s toothless attack rarely tested Newcastle’s backline, Sandro Tonali took time post-match to highlight Dan Burn’s contributions through a heartfelt Instagram tribute. The Italian midfielder, a Scudetto winner with AC Milan, shared an image of the pair with the caption “BIG DAN BURN” – recognition of the defender’s growing stature at St James’ Park.
Burn’s journey from Championship defender to Newcastle cult hero represents one of football’s most remarkable transformations. The £13 million signing from Brighton has become an integral part of Howe’s revolution, with his Wembley header against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final cementing his place in club folklore.
That iconic moment appears to have marked a turning point in Burn’s career trajectory, culminating in his recent England debut and subsequent decision to join Instagram – a platform where he’s now receiving plaudits from elite teammates like Tonali.
Monday’s match followed a familiar pattern for Newcastle this season – early dominance followed by professional game management. Murphy’s quickfire double inside eleven minutes effectively ended the contest as a spectacle, with Barnes rubbing salt in Leicester wounds just after the half-hour mark.
While the Magpies’ intensity dipped after the break, Leicester never looked capable of mounting a serious comeback, managing just two shots on target all evening.
The victory underscores Newcastle’s growing maturity under Howe’s guidance. Where previous Magpies sides might have struggled with complacency after cup success, this squad has shown remarkable professionalism to maintain their league form.
With key players returning from injury and new signings like Tonali fully integrated, Newcastle appear perfectly positioned for a strong finish to the campaign.
As the Champions League places come into sharper focus, Newcastle’s destiny remains firmly in their own hands. Their ability to dispatch struggling sides like Leicester with minimal fuss bodes well for the run-in, while the growing camaraderie between established stars like Burn and elite imports like Tonali speaks volumes about the unity Howe has fostered.
For Burn personally, this season represents the culmination of an extraordinary journey. From League One loans to Champions League contender, his story embodies Newcastle’s rapid ascent under their ambitious owners.
As social media finally catches up with his on-field contributions, one suspects there may be even bigger chapters still to write in the towering defender’s fairytale career.
With European football’s premier competition now a realistic target, Newcastle’s players continue to rise to the occasion. Monday’s professional dismantling of Leicester served notice that the Magpies intend to be more than just cup specialists – they’re building something sustainable at St James’ Park, with players like Dan Burn proving instrumental in bridging the gap between mid-table mediocrity and the elite.