By our man in Lancashire
NEWCASTLE UNITED left the Turf Moor faithful frozen in their seats as they kicked off their post-Christmas party early with a ruthless 3-1 demolition of struggling Burnley.
The historic Lancashire ground, usually a fortress of grit and defiance, was transformed into a playground for Eddie Howe’s Magpies, who didn’t even wait for the kettle to boil before snatching the lead.
Within a staggering 66 seconds, the famous old stands were silenced when Anthony Gordon danced past a bewildered Kyle Walker to find Joelinton, who marked his 200th Premier League appearance by poking home.
Turf Moor has seen some battles in its time, but Burnley looked shell-shocked as the visitors doubled their lead after just seven minutes.
Yoane Wissa, making his first start, pounced on a rebound to send the travelling Toon Army into delirium in the corner of the stadium.
Scott Parker’s men briefly threatened to turn the tide of history when Josh Laurent thundered a volley home in the 23rd minute, bringing a roar of hope back to the Burnley terraces.
For a moment, the atmosphere crackled with the classic tension of a damp night in the North West.
But the “Moor” had no more miracles to offer the hosts.
Despite a spirited second-half charge that saw the Clarets pepper Nick Pope’s goal, a disastrous mix-up at the death allowed Bruno Guimaraes to loft the ball into an empty net in stoppage time.
The final whistle confirmed the grim reality for the Burnley fans: their side remains winless in ten, while Newcastle leave Lancashire with three points and the bragging rights after a dominant display on the road.
