Daniel Wales reports from St. James’ Park as Newcastle United just about got over the line to defeat Burnley 2-0, having conceded a late penalty and then almost an equaliser in injury time against their ten-man opponents. The Magpies had been ahead via first half strikes from Bruno Guimarães and Anthony Gordon, with Eddie Howe conceding his side must improve ahead of their fixtures with Bayer Leverkusen in Europe and then the Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland to come.
00:00A win is a win for Newcastle United, but the Magpies almost relinquished their lead in the dying moments against Burnley.
00:09The visitors had actually started the brighter of the two sides, but were hit by three sucker punches before the half-time whistle came.
00:17First, Bruno Guimaraes scored directly from a corner, before Lucas Perez was sent off for bringing down Anthony Alanga.
00:24Then, in what was the final act of the first half, Leslie Ugachukwu was penalised for handball in the box and a spot kick was awarded, which Anthony Gordon then dispatched.
00:35The second half was devoid of much spark, with Newcastle being in control, but suddenly that control disappeared when Zian Fleming scored a penalty in injury time after another handball.
00:47And then, with seconds left, Burnley missed a huge chance to equalise.
00:51Eddie Haar was pleased that his side got over the line, given the two huge away games that are to come for his team.
00:59That was an uncomfortable ending for us.
01:02Certainly a lot to learn, and the beauty is we're learning with a victory behind us rather than a negative result.
01:08So, we have to improve.
01:12We're planning all the time for two, three games ahead, without taking our eye off the immediate task.
01:18We go to Leverkusen now, it's a huge game in our Champions League season, so all focus will be on that.
01:23But in the back of my mind, I'll be preparing a team and be preparing a game plan for that match.
01:28Yeah, proud.
01:30I just thought generally the way we played today, I thought we was every bit of the team that we need to be and I wanted us to be.
01:37Scott Parker was clear in showing his appreciation for Burnley's character throughout the match.
01:42Once again, though, it was not a vintage Newcastle United display.
01:47Eddie Haar was in disbelief that Burnley almost drew level with what was the last moment of the match,
01:52and made clear that his side will continue to work on defending set pieces.
01:57There were positives in the Magpies' performance, but Haar will focus on the negatives,
02:01as he looks to make sure that his side are ready to face by Leverkusen and then Sunderland in the Tyneweer derby.
02:08Lots to ponder on for Haar, but Newcastle's position in the Premier League is now much healthier.
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