Newcastle United have lift off! Verdict, player ratings and man of the match from Toon’s HUGE victory versus Burnley

And breathe. Newcastle United have claimed their first victory of the Premier League season against a fellow relegation rival in Burnley.

It was nail-biting but let’s be honest, it was always going to be like that. The important thing is Eddie Howe’s men are up-and-running. Finally.

Newcastle grow wiser deeper into first-half

For the opening half-hour, Newcastle were dragged into Burnley’s typical game. And they struggled.

Long balls were contested - and won - by Chris Wood. Cross after cross came into the area and the Clarets played for set pieces, and took their time over them too.

Their standout chance? Johann Gudmundsson, 13 minutes in, with Martin Dubravka needing the strongest of right arms to deny him.

Above all their route one and frustrative antics, Dyche’s side had the potential to mix it up with Maxwel Cornet - so his early injury worked massively in Newcastle’s favour.

After 30 minutes, Howe’s side grew wiser and the Burnley defence didn’t cope well when United pressed high.

Two brave blocks from Charlie Taylor and James Tarkowski kept the hosts at bay before Wilson delivered the opener.

Joe Willock’s in-swinging cross was spilled by England’s Nick Pope under Fabian Schar’s presence. Wilson took the ball and fired home emphatically.

Pope appealed for a free-kick but VAR didn’t agree. Wilson’s netted his sixth goal of the campaign - his second in five days.

Newcastle had the lead at the break, but things weren’t completely comfortable at St James’ Park.

Matej Vydra’s sitter was a reminder of that in stoppage time - unmarked from Matt Lowton’s pass, though fired high and wide into the Gallowgate End.

Getting over the line - FINALLY!

Howe’s side controlled the majority second-half. The game was played in Burnley’s half, good chances came but United failed to take advantage.

Almiron was twice denied. Fingetips from Pope stopped a certain goal before Nathan Collins put his head in where it hurt to do the same.

The visitors were fairly anonymous for 35 minutes but getting those first three points over the line was never going to be comfortable.

James Rodriguez, fresh off the bench, found the net but the offside flag was raised.

In a season where most offside calls have been overturned by VAR at Newcastle’s expense, St James’ Park held its breath, and then stood relieved.

Four minutes added. Four long minutes but Howe’s men held out. Relief. So much relief.

What’s next for Newcastle?

Newcastle United have lift off at the 15th attempt.

No-one on Tyneside will underestimate the significance of the three points. A first win. A clean sheet. A great feeling when leaving the stadium again.

Howe’s side are off the bottom of the Premier League and stand within three points of getting out of trouble, dependent on Watford losing.

Tough games will now follow in December - Leicester City up next - importantly, United are up-and-running, which is a huge confidence booster.

The task to stay in the top-flight remains massive but the club has something to build on. Let’s see where it takes them.

Match stats

POSSESSION: Newcastle 48%-52% Burnley.

SHOTS: Newcastle 19-10 Burnley.

SHOTS ON TARGET: Newcastle 4-1 Burnley.

CORNERS: Newcastle 10-3 Burnley

FOULS: Newcastle 11-9 Burnley.

Player ratings

Newcastle (4-2-3-1): Dubravka 7; Manquillo 7, Schar 7, Lascelles 8, Lewis 7; Shelvey 7, Willock 6; Almiron 7 (Fernandez N/A)|, Joelinton 7 Saint-Maximin 7 (Murphy N/A) Wilson 7. Subs not used: Darlow, Ritchie, Hayden, Hendrick, Krafth, Gayle, Longstaff.

NUFC MOTM: Jamaal Lascelles: Best performance in a LONG time. Led by example. Defended everything that came his way.