It is, ultimately, only the result that matters in football. Newcastle almost stopped playing after going two goals ahead inside seven minutes and spent the remainder of the game desperately holding on for their second away win of the season, leaving Burnley wondering what more they could have done.
Burnley were dominant in all areas after the early shock, showing the spirit and grit required in a relegation battle, but the truth of the matter is they have two points from the last possible 30 and are facing an immediate return to the Championship. Josh Laurent ignited hope when there was none after Joelinton and Yoane Wissa scored, a flame that was finally put out by Bruno Guimarães late on.
Considering Newcastle’s ineptitude away from home and their incomprehensibly woeful efforts in the final third at Old Trafford on Boxing Day, it was a shock to everyone that the visitors took the lead after 65 seconds. Kyle Walker was too far advanced, giving Anthony Gordon space in behind and time to find Joelinton who calmly steered home his first Premier League goal in exactly a year.
Before Burnley could regroup, they were two down and the signs were ominous. Nerves were apparent as Lucas Pires and Maxime Estève failed to complete a simple clearance. Harvey Barnes’ shot was saved; Wissa’s attempt from the rebound cleared off the line by Walker but the striker made no mistake the second time.
