Clarets fall to defeat at St James’ Park
Burnley suffered their first defeat on the road in all competitions this season on Saturday afternoon after losing out 2-0 to an in-form Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
Despite the Clarets starting on the front foot in the north-east and carving open a couple of early opportunities, United took the lead through a Miguel Almiron strike with 14 minutes played before Alexander Isak doubled the advantage before the end from the penalty spot.
Manager Vincent Kompany made one change from the side that narrowly lost to Manchester United as Sander Berge came into the XI for Johann Berg Gudmundsson.
First Half
There was an early flash of a chance for the Clarets with just a minute on the clock when Koleosho raced down the right before aiming for Ramsey at the far post who just couldn’t connect in time.
Shortly after, Koleosho took advantage of Burn’s slip and broke down the right once again this time squared to an unmarked Amdouni in the area, who fired towards goal forcing Pope to deny the Swiss striker the opener goal after a dominant start.
After Burnley’s strong start, it was the hosts who broke the deadlock through a sublime Almiron strike. The Paraguayan picked up a loose ball from a challenge and broke towards the area, before curling it home into the far corner to put United ahead.
Longstaff then tried his luck from the edge of the box after latching onto Isak’s flick over the Clarets defence but the midfielder’s strike fizzed wide of the target.
Isak then missed a glorious opportunity to double the lead with half-an-hour played, after racing into the area and seeing his initial strike saved by Trafford, the Swede then bundled the ball wide from just yards out with an open goal.
The hosts had another chance five minutes later when Longstaff picked out Anderson at the back-post but his diving header was denied superbly by Trafford before being cleared away.
Second Half
A moment of excellence from Beyer denied Isak the opportunity at adding a second, after the German intercepted a well-timed through ball aiming for the striker before striding away from danger with the ball.
Kompany then turned to his bench 10 minutes into the second half, introducing the attacking duo of Bruun Larsen and Rodriguez for Koleosho and Amdouni in search of an equaliser.
But after a fairly even spell heading towards the final 15 minutes, Newcastle were then awarded a penalty for Al-Dakhil’s challenge on Gordon inside the area. Isak stepped up to the spot to fire home from 12-yards to double the hosts’ lead.
Al-Dakhil nearly instantly made up for the penalty just two minutes later after his powerful header from a corner was tipped over the crossbar by Pope.
Burnley: Trafford, Roberts (Vitinho 87), Al-Dakhil, Beyer, Taylor, Cullen, Berge (Zaroury 87), Brownhill, Koleosho (Bruun Larsen 56), Ramsey (Odobert 67), Amdouni (Rodriguez 56)
Unused substitutes: Muric, Cork, Tresor
Newcastle United: Pope, Trippier, Schaar, Lascelles, Burn, Guimaraes, Longstaff, Gordon, Almiron (Murphy 90), Anderson (Joelinton 64) (Tonali 68), Isak (Livramento 90)
Unused substitutes: Dubravka, Dummett, Ritchie, Targett, Hall
Goals: Almiron 14’, Isak 76′ (Pen)
