Player Ratings: Burnley 1-2 Newcastle

Newcastle were buoyed on by the introduction of Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson just before the hour mark as the Magpies came from a goal behind at Turf Moor to complete the league double over Burnley.

Saint-Maximin was central to both goals, going on a mazy run before teeing up Jacob Murphy for the equaliser and then himself taking a fantastic solo effort after dribbling past the Burnley defence and turning onto his left foot and drilling a shot past the Burnley keeper.

Photo by STU FORSTER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Martin Dubravka 7

Made some fantastic saves, especially in the first half. Grew into the game after looking pretty shaky early on, especially dealing with high balls into the box. Finished the game strongly as the Burnley pressure mounted and looked more and more assured.

Jacob Murphy 7

Seemingly struggled with the set-up in the first half but looked great when getting forward, especially after the arrival of Saint-Maximin, and took his goal fantastically.

Ciaran Clark 6

Looked quite uncomfortable under pressure from Vydra and Woods in the first half and was caught out for the goal. Improved second half performance, making some key headed clearances (9 clearances in all) and blocks.

Federico Fernandez 7

Took a while to get into full flow after coming back from injury, but in the absence of Lascelles, was an assured presence at the back. Showed signs of the solid defender that he is; making 10 clearances and 3 blocks.

Paul Dummett 6

Another defender with 9 clearances and broke up play well throughout the game with 3 interceptions. Was sucked out of position for the goal and struggled with physicality of Woods, but otherwise had an ok game.

Matt Ritchie 8

He was solid at the back, vocal on the pitch throughout and made insightful passes. Work rate was top class throughout and kept the Newcastle press high. Was the leader we needed on the day.

Jonjo Shelvey 6

Spent the early parts of the game overhitting long passes and struggled in providing the much needed link between defence and attack. But was another who was much improved in the second half, made a nice pass to set Saint-Maximin free for his goal and worked hard at the end to keep Burnley at bay.

Sean Longstaff 8

Played like the local lad he is, leaving everything on the pitch. Battled well and although like Shelvey wasn’t the most effective outlet, he defended well and put a good shift in.

Joelinton 5

Took 40 minutes to wake up. Showed some of the desire and hunger from Tottenham at the end of the first half but wasn’t able to be provide any form of real outlet and was justifiably taken off.

Dwight Gayle 5

Was starved of any real service and struggled accordingly. Made some good runs and was nearly found with a Shelvey through ball, but hardly anything to talk about.

Miguel Almiron 7

Was unable to make much of an impact in the first half and didn’t provide much of an outlet but was full of energy and looked fully fit again. Was better in the second half and had a late great opportunity that was cleared off the line.

Subs

Callum Wilson 6 (for Gayle 55)

Very little impact, suffered much the same as Gayle and Joelinton in receiving very little service. Looked mobile and pressed well. Good sign for the future.

Allan Saint-Maximin 9 (for Joelinton 55)

Looked fantastic as soon as he came on. Unselfishly set up Murphy for the first, and made a dazzling run and finish for the second. Made great decisions throughout and nearly had another assist after Almiron’s shot was cleared off the line late on.

Jeff Hendrick (for Almiron 90)

No time to make any impact.

---

Man of the Match

Allan Saint-Maximin

The Frenchman made an immediate impact after coming off the bench to record another goal and assist against Burnley for the second time this season. Having our talismanic Saint-Maximin and Wilson back in the fold provided a much more attacking threat immediately, and it only took 8 minutes for the tide of the fixture to be fully turned.

A vital win for Newcastle United, and they’ll go into a tough run of four fixtures with a 6 point and 1 match advantage over 18th placed Fulham. On to the next!

HWTL!