Burnley 1 Newcastle 2
Burnley’s six-year stay in the Premier League is over after defeat by Newcastle. Callum Wilson scored twice to silence Turf Moor as Burnley proved worthy of 18th spot. They had survival in their hands but a panicked side, lacking anything close to a cutting edge, will have to start next season in the Championship after Leeds won at Brentford. Maxwel Cornet gave Burnley hope with a second-half goal but it was not enough despite constant pressure on the Newcastle goal in the closing stages.
Nathan Collins tested the hearts of the home fans early on by dribbling around his own box rather than clearing. The inevitable happened when he was dispossessed, allowing Newcastle to fashion a chance with Bruno Guimarães on the edge of the box. His shot was palmed out by Nick Pope but Collins redeemed himself by whacking the ball behind for a corner.
There was no questioning the effort being shown by Burnley. It took until the 39th minute for them to have a meaningful strike when Dwight McNeil collected a loose ball 25 yards from goal, got it out of his feet what whacked a rising drive over the bar. It was a sign of intent but were needed.
Allan Saint-Maximin raced onto a long ball up the line from Matt Targett, leaving Josh Brownhill to admire his heels. He drove into the area and looked to curl the ball beyond Pope into the corner but the goalkeeper got down well to save and eventually the defence found a way to clear after yet more panic.
Collins was keeping the hearts of Burnley fans in check after the break, too. A deep cross from Jacob Murphy looked simple for the defender to deal with but when trying to knock behind for a corner, Collins instead aimed for the bottom corner and it was only his poor connection that allowed Pope to spare his blushes.
Wilson had no problem finding the bottom corner. Saint-Maximin dribbled into the box and passed the ball into the unmarked striker’s path, allowing him to slot into a gaping net.
Cornet provided hope after makeshift right-back Collins pulled the ball back for Ivorian. He needed two chances but after Martin Dubravka saved his first shot, Cornet’s follow-up volley kissed the net to allow Turf Moor to find its voice with 20 minutes to go.
Everyone in claret and blue was fired up. The ball was sent into the box for Wout Weghorst and Ashley Barnes to attack. Barnes drove a cross but Weghorst’s outstretched leg could only get the slightest of touches on the ball and it went wide from five yards.
Moments later Jack Cork took aim for the top corner but it was headed clear by Targett. Crosses were flying in from all angles in search of a goal that never came. – Guardian
