Newcastle United captain Dan Burn has defended goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek after his error contributed to Everton's winning goal on Monday evening. The Czechia international allowed Tyrique George's effort to slip through his hands, allowing Thierno Barry an easy finish as Everton secured a 1-0 victory at St James' Park.
The defeat marked a fourth loss in five matches in all competitions for Matthias Jaissle's side, with Newcastle players booed off at both half-time and full-time. United struggled for ideas and were sloppy in possession, leading to frustration and apathy among supporters—a rare sight since the PIF-led takeover in 2021.
Burn's assessment of the goal
The goal came from a free-kick that Newcastle felt was soft after Joelinton was judged to have fouled Barry. During the protests, Anthony Elanga switched off as George latched onto Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's quick free-kick, and Burn felt Newcastle were not quick enough to follow in the rebound after Hornicek spilled George's effort.
"Football at this level, you [have to] move on from it straight away," Burn told Chronicle Live. "You can't just hold on to that. I haven't seen it again, so I might have been a free-kick, it might not have been, but I think we've had more than enough opportunity there to defend that."
"I know that has gone under Lukas, but we haven't helped him out by following that in as well."
Hornicek's response and Burn's confidence
Hornicek has made a solid start to life at Newcastle overall, but he was also culpable for the opening goal in their 4-1 defeat to Coventry City. Against Everton, he responded by making two big saves from point-blank headers by Jarrad Branthwaite and Jake O'Brien.
Burn believes this shows why there are no concerns over the 24-year-old's performances and mindset. "Lukas is top," Burn added. "He's a very, very good keeper. Nothing really fazes him, but he commands his box well."
"He made some big save that probably go unnoticed sometimes, so I'm not worried about Lukas at all. One went under him a little bit today, but that's on us just as much as it is him to help him."
Hornicek and Burn will look to help Newcastle revive their season when the Magpies travel to West London this weekend to face Fulham at Craven Cottage.
