Eddie Howe's Newcastle United ended 2025 with a rare Premier League away victory, but the 3-1 scoreline at Burnley did little to soothe the manager's enduring irritation with his side's inability to control games from a winning position.
A Fast Start Followed by Familiar Fears
Howe had sent his team out with clear instructions to attack with verve, a direct response to pre-match questions about the squad's energy. The plan worked spectacularly early on at Turf Moor. Joelinton opened the scoring after just 65 seconds, hooking in after Anthony Gordon's cross was deflected. The lead was doubled inside seven minutes when Yoane Wissa stabbed home from close range for his first Premier League goal on his first start.
With the scoreboard showing a 2-0 lead against a Burnley side languishing near the bottom, the match seemed destined to be a straightforward conclusion to the year for the visitors. However, as has happened repeatedly this season, Newcastle's command evaporated. The game swiftly transformed from a controlled display into a chaotic, end-to-end contest, reminiscent of their surrendered lead against Chelsea before Christmas.
Burnley Fightback Exposes Newcastle's Vulnerability
Capitalising on Newcastle's sudden loss of composure and possession, Burnley fought their way back into the contest. Josh Laurent volleyed in a brilliant response in the 23rd minute to halve the deficit. Only a goal-line clearance from Fabian Schar to deny Marcus Edwards prevented an equaliser before the break.
The second half saw goalkeeper Nick Pope become the hero for Newcastle, making crucial saves from Loum Tchaouna, Edwards, and Lucas Pires. Meanwhile, Newcastle's influential front three of Gordon, Wissa, and Harvey Barnes faded from the game. A glaring miss from Gordon, who skied a chance that would have made it 3-1, summed up their declining threat and let Burnley's belief grow.
A Nervy Finish and a Late Relief
On a freezing Lancashire night, Newcastle players treated the ball like a hot potato, inviting pressure from a home side sensing a potential comeback. The outcome remained in doubt until deep into stoppage time. A mix-up between Burnley goalkeeper Martin Dubravka and defender Hjalmar Ekdal presented Bruno Guimaraes with the chance to show belated coolness, lobbing into an empty net from 25 yards in the 93rd minute to finally secure the points.
The tense nature of the victory was perfectly captured by the ironic chant from the travelling supporters: 'How s*** must you be, we're winning away!'. While the three points were welcome, the performance highlighted a persistent flaw: no Premier League team has dropped more points from winning positions than Newcastle's 13 this season.
For Burnley boss Scott Parker, it was an opportunity missed to snatch at least a point, if not all three. For Eddie Howe, the win provides a remedy of sorts, but the underlying issues of game management and defensive solidity when ahead remain glaring ills to solve as the new year begins.
