Newcastle United strengthened their European qualification bid with a convincing 4-1 win against relegation-threatened Burnley.
The Magpies were three goals up in the first-half following goals from Callum Wilson, Sean Longstaff and Bruno Guimaraes. Alexander Isak then put the result beyond doubt in the 55th minute, shortly after the Swede saw a penalty saved by Arijanet Muric.
Eddie Howe’s side temporarily moved up to sixth in the Premier League table ahead of Chelsea’s match against West Ham United on Sunday and Manchester United’s trip to Crystal Palace on Monday night.
Howe named two changes from the 5-1 win over Sheffield United with Emil Krafth coming in for the injured Fabian Schar, while Callum Wilson replaced Elliot Anderson. Newcastle also welcomed Miguel Almiron, Nick Pope and Joelinton back into the squad.
The Magpies took the lead against the run of play in the 20th minute when Jacob Murphy delivered a cross from the right. Alexander Isak saw his effort saved but Wilson quickly reacted to tap home the follow up.
From then on, United were in total control. Longstaff added a second when he slotted home Murphy’s cut-back before Guimaraes scored a third after being set-up by Anthony Gordon.
United were awarded a penalty in the 52nd minute when Anthony Gordon was brought down in the area. Wilson and Isak both wanted to take it. The latter did but saw his spot-kick saved by Muric. #
But Isak wasn’t to be denied for long. Another cross by Murphy was controlled by Isak and he netted his 20th Premier League goal of the campaign - becoming the first Newcastle player to reach that tally since Alan Shearer.
United, however, were unable to round off a comfortable afternoon with a clean sheet after Dara O’Shea headed home from a corner.
Here’s our Newcastle United player ratings from Turf Moor:
9. Anthony Gordon - 7
Received the ball in some promising areas but lacked his usual cutting edge until setting up Bruno on 40 minutes. Won a penalty early in the second-half. | Getty Images
10. Alexander Isak - 6.5
A mixed day for the Swede. Missed a penalty and didn’t always show his usual quality in the final third - but still got on the scoresheet. | Getty Images
11. Callum Wilson - 8
Won the physical battle with Maxime Esteve. Showed his predatory instinct to score and held up the ball well. Sharp & hungry. | Getty Images
12. Harvey Barnes (on for Wilson, 69) - 6
Saw a low shot saved by Muric. | Getty Images