Newcastle United moved up to 13th place, seven points clear of the relegation zone, as Burnley succumbed to their first defeat since Boxing Day on Tuesday night.
Fabian Schar ignited a stale opening to proceedings with a thunderous strike past Tom Heaton from 25 yards. Burnley offered little threat from open play throughout the encounter; however, the visitors were guilty of uncharacteristically skewing their best chances from set pieces.
Shortly before half time, Sean Dyche’s side failed to clear a Matt Ritchie cross, which fell to Sean Longstaff inside the area. The latter maintained his composure to convert from close range and score his first Premier League goal for Newcastle.
Sean Longstaff quietly impresses
Throughout the encounter, Newcastle dictated possession and Sean Longstaff was tasked with the duty of transitioning play from defence to attack. On multiple occasions, the midfielder collected possession from the back three and competently distributed the ball to the onrushing Magpies attackers.
As well as providing a vital link for teammates to progress up the pitch, when required Longstaff was key in the defensive battles. Both wing backs ran forwards with freedom, while Issac Hayden and Longstaff provided a second defensive bank in front of the centre backs. This left spaces out wide but Burnley’s rigidity meant they were unable to exploit any gaps created.
To top off a commanding performance beyond his 21 years, Longstaff scored his first Premier League goal for Newcastle as part of a display which will have delighted Rafael Benitez.
Wood and Barnes unable to combine
Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood have forged a genuine partnership post-Christmas, despite their remarkably similar characteristics. However, on Tuesday evening their one-dimensional playing style proved the pairs undoing.
Barnes and Wood both resemble traditional target men who prefer to operate within the width of the 18-yard box. Sadly for supporters of the Clarets, the strikers narrow positioning played right into Benitez’s hands. The Spaniard elected his favoured partnership of three centre backs, congesting the centre of the pitch, nullifying the strike partnerships threat. The space for Burnley to threaten Newcastle appeared when the host’s wing-backs advanced, but neither striker is comfortable drifting wide to capitalise. Coupled with both of Dyche’s wide men sitting too deep, meant few opportunities were created from open play.
The 90 minutes was an education to other sides that if they can stop the service into Barnes and Wood, the pair struggle to create for themselves. A testament to the poor performance of the duo was the fact neither player finished the match as Dyche replaced them with Peter Crouch and Matej Vydra.
Almiron uplifting the mood
Since the arrival of Miguel Almiron in January and his subsequent introduction into the starting eleven, the tensions on Tyneside have eased significantly. The midfielder’s childlike enthusiasm is refreshing, while his everpresent beaming smile is infectious. Fan’s of the Magpies have been deprived of excitement for some time, and Almiron is already providing the answer. His departure with ten minutes remaining was met with a standing ovation from St James’ Park, and his performance warranted such a reception.
Invigorating attackers are rarely industrious, but the Paraguayan’s work rate is relentless. Coupled with his obscene speed and Almiron can close down opponents rapidly, drive play forwards from deep or provide an out ball for counter attacks. Such characteristics compliment the more physical Salomon Rondon and the technical Ayoze Perez exquisitely.
But while his predecessor in the starting lineup, Christian Atsu, is both quick and an adept dribbler, Almiron outshines the Ghanaian due to his vastly improved decision making and range of passing. Where Atsu had previously offered little threat once in attacking positions, Almiron is able to execute his intentions.
The only criticism of the new addition so far is that he hasn’t found the back of the net. Twice he troubled Heaton, but both times shooting opportunities were spurned due to a heavy touch. This could be considered harsh, as on both occasions Almiron was at full speed when taking the shot on, but an improvement in composure could result in a healthy goal return.
Man of the Match: Sean Longstaff
The youngster controlled the midfield and set an excellent example for the rest of the squad. Longstaff’s positioning as well as his knowledge of when to play safe and when to take risks displayed a maturity far beyond his level of experience.
