Vincent Kompany makes St James’ Park claim as Newcastle United beat Burnley

Burnley manager Vincent Kompany was pleased with his side’s battling efforts despite leaving St James’ Park empty-handed.

Newcastle United emerged as 2-0 winners against the newly-promoted outfit following goals from Miguel Almiron and Alexander Isak in either half.

The Magpies recorded a third straight Premier League victory. Meanwhile, Burnley suffered their fifth defeat in six games to leave them second bottom of the table.

“You’re playing against a very good side so it’s supposed to be tough, it’s not supposed to be easy coming to St James’ Park,” Kompany said. “We started well, we stayed in the game and we probably made a mistake that took the game away from us.

“I can’t fault the team for the performance, I thought they battled and showed character. Not just with what people want to associate us with, but defending the box, working hard, winning second balls and the rest you play against a good side.

“I think there are plenty of managers that have come here, especially of newly-promoted sides, and said to win games here or to get a result you need to have a little bit of luck on your side and you need to take your moments.

“For us it went exactly the opposite way, but we stayed in the game.”

Clarets winger Luca Koleosho got the better of Dan Burn in the opening 10 minutes with Nick Pope need to be at his best to keep Zeki Amdouni’s effort out. However, United gained full contract when Almiron broke the deadlock on 14 minutes.

A foul on Anthony Gordon then allowed Isak to wrap up the three points from the penalty spot.

“We knew that was their strength [intensity], so it’s a moment to create chances,” Kompany said. “In the first-half, the first 10 to 15 minutes, it’s in those moments we created chances and even in the second-half.

“But the game happened with the bits in between, the mistake, the penalty and Newcastle are a top side, they showed it’s a really tough place to come to.

“From our perspective, we were in the game and that’s important.”