Imperious Newcastle United stretched its unbeaten streak to five games with a 2-0 win over Burnley at St. James’ Park on Saturday.
The Magpies have not allowed a goal in 470 minutes, with clean sheets against AC Milan and Manchester City in tournaments joining league shutouts of Brentford, Sheffield United, and now Vincent Kompany’s Burnley.
[ MORE: How to watch Premier League in USA ]
Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope made two big saves but they were the only trouble he faced as a wonderful goal from Miguel Almiron joined an Alexander Isak penalty in delivering a straight-forward win.
The Magpies sit in eighth place with 12 points, three off of fourth, while Burnley remains in the bottom three with just a single point from six matches. The Clarets face a huge match versus Luton Town on Tuesday.
Newcastle’s defensive acumen more impressive by the week (and the congestion)
The Magpies did not have Sven Botman (injury) and Sandro Tonali in the Starting XI, and still ran their clean sheet streak forward despite a dicey first 5-6 minutes.
Eddie Howe’s forward-thinking, aggressive tactics have never been in question, but how the Magpies boss has cleaned up the Newcastle defense is remarkable.
The Magpies entered the game having conceded the second-fewest expected goals against and the fifth-fewest goal against despite already meeting Man City, Liverpool, and Brighton in Premier League play.
They held City to a goal and then blanked the Premier League leaders at midweek in League Cup play, joining a clean sheet against AC Milan at the San Siro as ultra-impressive focal points of this 470-minute run without conceding a goal.
Bruno Guimaraes continues to flex his muscles as a midfield general, the sort of game-reading genius who can register 12 recoveries and five chances created and call it close to standard.
Yes, Pope was required but there are times that Newcastle looks like the early stages of Liverpool’s late 2010s rise up the table. They need their world-class keeper to do some world-class things on occasion, but the system becomes clearer and clearer — and more difficult to beat — on a weekly basis.
What’s next?
The Magpies hosts PSG on Wednesday as the UEFA Champions League returns to St. James’ Park, and then go to West Ham at 9am ET Sunday, Oct. 8.
Newcastle vs Burnley player ratings
We’ve sung Guimaraes’ praises by Kieran Trippier is rising up the assist board with his fourth in two games, while Fabian Schar remains one of the best bargain buys in club history.
Sander Berge has gone from “How is this guy on Sheffield United?” to “How is this guy on Burnley?” What a player for the visitors, and clearly the most-important part of their bid to stay in the Premier League: Two created chances, six defensive actions, and 7-of-9 duels won in the loss.
Newcastle vs Burnley player ratings (fotmob.com)
Newcastle vs Burnley player ratings (fotmob.com)
Alexander Isak spot kick salts it away after Anthony Gordon wins penalty
Anthony Gordon has a chance to be the most fouled player in the league if Newcastle keeps the ball enough, because he’s got Jack Grealish-like explosiveness and Anthony Gordon-like annoyance.
Players love to kick this guy, but his third drawn foul of the game is a desperate one. Ameen Al-Dakhil slides to block Gordon’s dribble into the 18 and his back leg cleans out the English youth international.
VAR won’t have any problem affirming this one, and Alexander Isak goes to the spot to professionally finish his chance. 2-0.
Miguel Almiron strokes Newcastle in front (goal video)
Burnley had some very dangerous early moments, driven by Luca Koleosho, so it’s over-simplifying to say that Newcastle deserve this lead but the goal sure is wonderful.
Kieran Trippier slips the ball to Miguel Almiron, who loves to drive in from the right. The Paraguayan hits a curling missile inside the far post for a sensational goal. 1-0.
How to watch Newcastle vs Burnley live, stream link, time
Kickoff: 10am ET, Saturday (Sept. 30)
TV channel: Peacock
Stream: Watch on Peacock Premium
Newcastle lineup
HOWAY NEWCASTLE! ✊ pic.twitter.com/crBiC3mA1v
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) September 30, 2023
Burnley lineup
Your Clarets to take on Newcastle United! 📋 pic.twitter.com/iobRKLt12C
— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) September 30, 2023
Focus on Newcastle
The Joelinton absence has affected the midfield mix at St. James’ Park but the Magpies should have the depth of quality to handle Burnley challenge. Harvey Barnes’ injury takes a little competition out of the wing places but Anthony Gordon has been Eddie Howe’s preference either way.
OUT: Joelinton (knee), Emil Krafth (knee), Joe Willock (thigh), Harvey Barnes (foot)
Focus on Burnley
The chances are coming but the goals have to follow. Anass Zaroury made a huge claim for more playing time with his three assists at Salford City, and Zeki Amdouni joins Luca Koleosho in looking primed for breakthroughs.
OUT: Darko Churilnov (undisclosed), Michael Obafemi (hamstring), Hjalmar Ekdal (knee)| QUESTIONABLE: Johann Berg Gudmundsson (muscular)
