After yet another defeat in midweek, pressure was building on Burnley boss Scott Parker, and in a desperate bid to change the flow of their season, he made four changes for today’s game.
A raft of changes didn’t particularly change how toothless Burnley looked, but they were almost gifted the opening goal when Aaron Ramsdale dropped an inswinging corner onto his own crossbar before gathering at the second attempt.
Even with some nice openings, it just seemed inevitable that the Clarets would concede eventually, and they did just after the half-hour mark.
There was something of a comical nature about it - not for Burnley - as Bruno Guimarães’ inswinging corner eluded everyone, including Burnley stopper Martin Dubravka, and landed in the far corner.
It all unravelled for Parker’s men on the stroke of half-time when, as Anthony Elanga burst clear on goal, Lucas Pires felled him and was shown a straight red card.
Things got even worse before Stuart Attwell could even sound the half-time whistle, as the hosts were awarded a penalty after Lesly Ugochukwu handled inside the area and Anthony Gordon stepped forward to double Newcastle’s advantage.
Swapping defender Joe Worrall for striker Lyle Foster was a desperate play to keep the scoreline respectable. Newcastle were in no mood for relenting and continued their assault on the Burnley goal in the second half.
It was little surprise to see Newcastle continually pouring forward, and they came close to inflicting more damage when an audacious Guimaraes effort forced Dúbravka into making a smart stop to tip the ball over the bar.
Burnley did well to stem the flow somewhat as they somehow managed to look a little more solid with 10 men than they did with 11.
Gordon came close to heaping more misery on the visitors when he cannoned an effort against the crossbar, but arguably the biggest roar of the day at St James’ Park came when Eddie Howe introduced big-money summer recruit Yoane Wissa for his debut.
He was unable to mark his debut with a goal, but that would’ve just been the icing on the cake of what was otherwise a perfect day for Newcastle, who provisionally move into the top half.
It’s a completely opposite feeling for Burnley, who have now lost six in a row, leaving Parker fighting for his job, even if a late Zian Flemming penalty did earn them a consolation goal.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United)