Newcastle United have dramatically heightened the stakes for next weekend's Wear-Tyne Derby after securing a 2-1 victory over Burnley at St James' Park. The result sees Eddie Howe's side close the gap on their bitter rivals Sunderland to just a single point in the Premier League table.
Guimaraes and Gordon seal nervy victory
The match, which ultimately proved more tense than the scoreline suggested, was decided by goals from Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon. Guimaraes broke the deadlock in spectacular fashion on 31 minutes, scoring directly from a corner kick. The goal was not without controversy, however, as Burnley manager Scott Parker protested vehemently that Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka had been fouled by Gordon in the build-up.
Newcastle's advantage was doubled just before half-time from the penalty spot. The opportunity arose after Burnley defender Lucas Pires was shown a straight red card for a last-man challenge on Anthony Elanga. The penalty award itself followed a VAR intervention, with referee Stuart Attwell advised to review a handball by Burnley's Lesley Ugochukwu. Gordon stepped up to convert coolly, marking his second goal in as many games.
Burnley's late flurry fails to prevent sixth straight loss
Despite being a man down, Burnley refused to capitulate entirely. They ensured a nervy finish for the home supporters when Zian Flemming converted a 95th-minute penalty. The visitors then missed a glorious chance to snatch an unlikely point, with Flemming heading wide from close range in the dying moments.
The defeat marks Burnley's sixth consecutive league loss, leaving them deep in relegation trouble. Manager Scott Parker will be concerned by his team's lack of attacking threat for large periods, registering zero shots on target in the first half. While Armando Broja provided a brief focal point, the team's fundamental lack of consistent scorers or players capable of beating a man one-on-one paints a bleak picture for their survival hopes.
Derby day looms as Gordon finds form
For Newcastle, the victory was a significant boost ahead of their trip to the Stadium of Light. The resurgence of Anthony Gordon is particularly timely. Before scoring from the spot against Tottenham in midweek, the winger had not found the net in the Premier League since January 25th. His renewed confidence and output provide a major weapon for the derby.
The match also saw a historic moment for the club, as £55 million summer signing Yoane Wissa came off the bench to make his debut. In doing so, he became the 1,000th player to represent Newcastle United in league football since the club's formation in 1893.
One minor concern for Eddie Howe will be the performance of goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who appeared hesitant and nervous when dealing with crosses, an unease that seemed to spread to his defence. With Nick Pope injured and out of form, Ramsdale has a clear pathway to becoming the long-term number one, but he will need to settle quickly.
All eyes now turn to the North East derby. With just one point separating the two sides, next weekend's clash at the Stadium of Light is set to be a fiercely contested battle with significant implications for the Premier League season.
