Newcastle United first-half player ratings v Burnley with ‘superb’ Joelinton & 4/10 worry
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Burnley v Newcastle United: How Yoane Wissa, Bruno Guimaraes, Anthony Gordon & co have fared in our Newcastle United first-half player ratings.
Newcastle United travelled to Turf Moor in search of just their second Premier League away win of the season.
On a bitterly cold night in Lancashire, Eddie Howe made four changes from the team he picked to start at Old Trafford on Friday night with Nick Pope, Joelinton, Harvey Barnes and Yoane Wissa coming into the team in place of Aaron Ramsdale, Jacob Ramsey, Jacob Murphy and Nick Woltemmade who all dropped to the bench.
And it was one of those changes in Joelinton that made an immediate impact as he volleyed home a cross by Anthony Gordon past Martin Dubravka and into the net. It was a brilliant finish by the Brazilian who was making his first start since their trip to Leverkusen earlier this month.
They soon doubled their lead, this time through Wissa who, like he did against Fulham on his first start for the club, netted within minutes of starting at Turf Moor with a proper poacher’s effort to pounce on a loose ball on the penalty box.
Hopes of an easy night, though, were banished in the 24th minute when Josh Laurent pulled a goal back for the hosts with a lovely volley. The Magpies, though, will be bitterly disappointed with their inability to clear a long throw in the build-up to the goal.
Wissa should have had a second just moments later, but somehow missed a free header at the back post after a teasing ball from his captain. The visitors were then thankful to Fabian Schar as he cleared a shot from Marcus Edwards off the line after Pope had been beaten.
Here are our Newcastle United first-half player ratings from Turf Moor as the Magpies head into the break 2-1 ahead:
Newcastle United first-half player ratings v Burnley
Nick Pope - 6
Returned to the starting XI against his former club. Had nothing to do in the first quarter of the game before picking the ball out of his net as Laurent’s volley flashed past him.
Lewis Miley - 7
Looked assured once again in a role that he is getting better in with every game that passes.
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Malick Thiaw - 6
A couple of shaky moments on the ball but largely dealt well with the physicality of Armando Broja.
Fabian Schar - 6
Solid performance from the former Swiss international. DId brilliantly to block a shot on the line.
Lewis Hall - 7
Lost a couple of one-on-one battles but was a threat going forward. Not as dominant as he was on Boxing Day, but still a decent performance.
Bruno Guimaraes - 7
Did really well to dig out a chance for Wissa to net. Always positive on the ball, although a couple of wayward passes prevented promising looking breaks.
Sandro Tonali - 6
Lacked influence in the game going forward, but was an ever-lasting battery when required defensively.
Joelinton - 7
Tucked home his opening goal superbly as he gave Dubravka absolutely no chance. Won the ball back superbly for Wissa’s goal. Booked just before the half hour mark following some pushing and shoving with Kyle Walker.
Harvey Barnes - 5
Had a couple of nice touches but struggled a little to get into the game, particularly in front of goal. Saw an effort saved by Dubravka when he probably should have scored.
Yoane Wissa - 6
Yet again scored within minutes of a start and, like his goal against Fulham, was in the right place at the right time to prod home from close range. Missed a golden opportunity to get a second with a free header at the back post.
Anthony Gordon - 4
Sublime work to twist his man inside and out before delivering the cross for Joelinton’s opener. Very lively in the opening stages both in and out of possession and it was his closing down which helped fashion an opening for their second goal. Lost the ball a few times that put his team under pressure and completely lost Laurent for Burnley’s equaliser.
Unused substitutes: Aaron Ramsdale, Jacob Murphy, Nick Woltemade, Joe Willock, Alex Murphy, Jacob Ramsey, Leo Shahar, Sean Neave, Sam Alabi