Newcastle took a giant step towards Premier League survival when goals from the second half from Jacob Murphy and Allan Saint-Maximin gave them an important 2-1 victory against Burnley on Sunday.
The result moves Magpies six points from 18th-placed Fulham, who have played one game more than Steve Bruce’s side.
Things did not get a good start for Newcastle when Matej Vydra gave Clarets the lead in the 18th minute. Chris Wood was instrumental in the build-up and maneuvered past several black and white shirts before pulling it back for Vydra to hit home.
Burnley continued to create the better chances in the first half but Newcastle might have been penalized when James Tarkowski caught Matty Longstaff in the head while clearing the ball. After a VAR check, however, the England international was not punished.
The game was transformed by the introduction of Saint-Maximin just before the hour. Two minutes after his arrival, the forward broke down to the right and put the ball in Murphy, who drove home from a difficult angle.
Murphy leveled things Stu Forster / Getty Images
Shortly after, Saint-Maximin had his own goal and carried the ball from his own half before twisting and turning in the box and shooting home. After going backwards, Burnley struggled to break down a resolute Newcastle. Magpies came close to extending their lead as Miguel Almiron delivered a low effort on goal from the right after 80 minutes, but the angle was too narrow and the shot went harmlessly into the side netting. Once again, Saint-Maximin was crucial in developing the opportunity.
The result is a huge boost for Newcastle in their fight against relegation and Bruce was understandably pleased.
“This win is big but there is still a bit left. It really is a helping hand. It is an important game, so winning it was very good. It has been difficult with our injuries. You can see what Allan Saint-Maximin brings with it to We have lacked that little quality and excitement, says the Magpies boss to Sky Sports after the match (via ChronicleLive).
