Newcastle United returned to winning ways against Burnley, but as has become common this season, they did not make it as smooth or as controlled as it could have been. The 2–1 victory at St James’ Park delivered three essential points, yet it came with moments of frustration, nerves, and unexpected drama.
Even with advantages handed to them, Newcastle still found themselves digging deep to hold on, but the final whistle brought relief and a sense of momentum at a crucial stage of the campaign.
The match started with Burnley looking the more confident side, pressing Newcastle’s backline and testing their composure in the early stages. But everything shifted when Bruno Guimarães produced a moment that will be replayed countless times by supporters.
Curling the ball directly from a corner into the far corner of the net, he completely flipped the mood inside the stadium and gave Newcastle the spark they needed.
It was a goal that showcased both technique and audacity, and it arrived at a time when the team needed something special to settle their nerves.
The job seemed to get even easier moments later when Burnley went down to ten men. Lucas Pires brought down Anthony Elanga as he sprinted through on goal, leaving the referee with little choice but to issue a red card.
The sending-off felt like the moment Newcastle could finally take full control. That belief grew when Anthony Gordon continued his consistent form from the penalty spot, calmly placing his effort past the goalkeeper to double the lead just before the break. For a brief moment, it looked like the game would drift into a comfortable afternoon.
But Newcastle do not seem capable of quiet finishes, and an unnecessary handball from Jacob Ramsey changed the tone completely. Burnley were gifted a way back into the match, and Zian Flemming converted from the spot to set up a tense closing period.
Suddenly, the sense of comfort evaporated, and the home supporters were forced to watch their team defend anxiously instead of pushing for a third goal. Yet despite the wobble, Newcastle held on for the win and stretched their run to 10 points from the last 12 since returning from the November international break.
One of the key talking points from the match was Aaron Ramsdale’s performance. Still adjusting to his extended run in the team, he had another afternoon filled with mixed moments.
He avoided what could have been a deeply embarrassing incident when he misjudged an inswinging corner that looped off his attempted punch and struck the crossbar. A few inches lower and it would have been an own goal that would have dominated the headlines.
While he avoided the worst outcome, it was another reminder that he has not yet fully stamped his authority on the position. With the Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen ahead, his next performance will be under even greater scrutiny.
The afternoon also brought excitement around Yoane Wissa, who finally made his long-awaited debut. After 96 days of waiting since joining on deadline day, the forward was included in a Premier League matchday squad for the first time.
His warm-up drew loud applause, and when he stepped onto the pitch in the 75th minute, the Gallowgate faithful immediately created a new chant for him, proudly singing his name to welcome him into the club’s heartbeat.
Wissa nearly capped his debut with a late goal, breaking into the box and lifting the ball over the goalkeeper, only to send it wide of the far post. Even without a goal, the cameo offered promise and showed how eager the fans are to embrace him.
A touching moment came when Martin Dubravka, now Burnley’s goalkeeper, received an emotional ovation from all corners of the stadium. His years at Newcastle made him a fan favourite, and the supporters showed their appreciation by singing his name loudly in what was a warm tribute for a player who gave so much during both difficult and successful seasons on Tyneside.
In the stands, thoughts had already begun drifting toward the upcoming derby with Sunderland, as chants aimed at their local rivals echoed around the ground. With Sunderland slipping after their loss to Manchester City, Newcastle now sit just one point behind them, making next weekend’s clash potentially season-defining.
A win at the Stadium of Light would not only lift Newcastle above their rivals but also push them closer to European contention, adding even more emotion and significance to an already heated fixture.
The victory also extended Newcastle’s strong historical run against Burnley, maintaining their dominance in this matchup and continuing a long streak of positive results against promoted clubs.
Although not perfect, the win keeps the team on track and provides valuable confidence as they approach a hectic and decisive part of the season.
