Newcastle 1-0 Burnley
by Harry De Cosemo

NEWCASTLE UNITED claimed a Premier League victory for the first time this season, running out 1-0 winners against fellow strugglers Burnley at St James’ Park.

It was much more structured and balanced from the hosts, and the relief of a raucous home crowd poured out at the final whistle.

Burnley struggled to match Newcastle’s intensity after Maxwell Cornet was forced off through injury in the first half.

Eddie Howe embraced the crowd after the game, while Newcastle boss praised his players.

“I am absolutely delighted for everyone connected with the club,” Howe said.

“It was a massive game for us and the players responded to it. We were great after a tricky first 20 minutes today. It was a bit nervy by the end because we were so desperate for the win, but the lads handled that part really well.

“The spirit in this group is, as well as the atmosphere, exceptional. I cannot praise the support enough.”

It was a cagey start to the match. Cornet, Burnley’s danger man, flashed wide in an opening to the game without much goalmouth action.

Newcastle started timidly and gave up another chance not soon after, but escaped after Johann Berg Gudmundsson’s effort deflected onto the post.

They took 22 minutes to muster a genuine attempt on goal, but Miguel Almiron’s effort sailed over the bar, embodying their uninspiring first-half performance.

But things soon picked up, and the crowd responded. With five minutes remaining before half time, they were rewarded with the opening goal.

Nick Pope fumbled Joe Willock’s cross under pressure from Fabian Schar, leaving Callum Wilson to set himself and fire into the roof of the net.

Matej Vydra, who replaced the injured Cornet, scooped over at the other end as the game became stretched.

Positive momentum continued for Newcastle after the break; five minutes shy of the hour, Pope tipped Almiron’s shot wide of the post after he was released by Wilson.

There was a great sense of anticipation every time Newcastle came forward; Allan Saint-Maximin was at the heart of things, and Willock found impetus after a shaky start.

But Almiron was Newcastle’s driving force, and almost doubled their lead again. He cut in from the right and unleashed a shot, which deflected off a ducking Nathan Collins and whistled over the bar.

Jonjo Shelvey forced Pope into an excellent save as Newcastle pressed hard for a clincher, but Burnley sent a warning when substitute Jay Rodriguez finished from close range, only to be flagged offside.

There was a sense of control about the Magpies which hadn’t been there previously. Federico Fernandez was summoned to shore up the back line as Burnley laid siege, but after Dwight McNeil shot over, Newcastle survived to secure a first clean sheet of the season to go with the victory.

Sean Dyche admitted the loss of Cornet was tough to take for his side.

“He is a threat and he offers us something different,” he said. “I thought he looked sharp so he was a big loss to us at the time. I think he has a high strain, but we’ll have to wait and see.”