Eddie Howe's Newcastle United closed out 2025 with a narrow and nervy 3-1 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor, securing only their second Premier League away win of the entire season. The result, sealed by a late Bruno Guimaraes goal, did little to mask the persistent issues that have plagued the Magpies when in front.
A Fizzy Start Fades Fast
Howe had reacted sharply to pre-match questions about his team's energy, and his side exploded from the blocks with clear attacking intent. The reward was immediate, with Joelinton firing home after just 65 seconds from an Anthony Gordon cross. The lead was doubled inside seven minutes as Yoane Wissa stabbed in his first Premier League goal on his first start for the club.
Against a Burnley side languishing near the bottom with just one point from their previous 15 at home, a comfortable victory seemed assured. However, Newcastle's well-documented allergy to controlling games from a winning position quickly resurfaced. The match rapidly transformed from a strategic contest into an end-to-end basketball game, reminiscent of their collapse from 2-0 up against Chelsea before Christmas.
Burnley Sense Blood as Newcastle Falter
Handing possession back to their hosts, Newcastle invited pressure. Burnley defender Josh Laurent volleyed a superb goal in the 23rd minute to halve the deficit, injecting belief into Scott Parker's side. Only a goal-line clearance from Fabian Schar to deny Marcus Edwards prevented an equaliser before the break.
After half-time, goalkeeper Nick Pope became the hero of the hour, making crucial saves from Loum Tchaouna, Edwards, and Lucas Pires. Newcastle's midfield was bypassed with ease, and their attacking trio of Gordon, Wissa, and Harvey Barnes saw their influence wane. Gordon missed a golden chance to make it 3-1, skying his effort when composure would have likely killed the contest.
A Late Lob Eases the Tension
As the clock ticked into stoppage time on a cold Lancashire night, Newcastle's play was fraught with anxiety, treating the ball like a hot potato. The outcome remained in doubt until the 93rd minute, when Bruno Guimaraes finally showed composure. Capitalising on a mix-up between Burnley keeper Martin Dubravka and defender Hjalmar Ekdal, the Brazilian coolly lobbed the ball into an empty net from 25 yards.
The relief was palpable, summed up by the gallows humour of the travelling fans who sang: 'How s*** must you be, we're winning away!'. While the three points were secured, the nervy performance offered little evidence of the improvement required to push Newcastle back towards the European places. For Burnley's Scott Parker, it was a case of rueing not one, but three points dropped as his team's fightback ultimately fell short.
