United get back to winning ways after holding on to beat Clarets

IT wasn’t pretty at times but Newcastle United got the job done and returned to winning ways by beating Burnley 2-1 at St James’ Park.

- By SEAN MCCORMICK

The Magpies were second best until Bruno Guimaraes incredibly broke the deadlock by scoring direct from a corner kick.

United then looked like they would soar to a comfortable win after Burnley were reduced to 10 men when Lucas Pires was sent off for fouling Anthony Elanga as he raced through on goal.

That confidence only grew when Anthony Gordon made it 2-0 from the penalty spot just minutes later.

Newcastle were well on top in the second half but couldn’t find a second goal.

Yoane Wissa’s long awaited debut from the bench gave everyone a lift but, yet again, they had to endure a nervy ending after Burnley grabbed a goal back in stoppage time.

An unnecessary handball from Jacob Ramsey handed Burnley a lifeline and Zian Flemming took it by scoring from the penalty spot.

But Eddie Howe's side held on for a crucial three points and have now won 10 points from 12 in the Premier League since the November international break. Here are five things we learned from the win over Burnley.

Aaron Ramsdale avoids embarrassing moment

Ramsdale is now three games into his run of deputising for Nick Pope in goal, and while he hasn't necessarily had too much to do, he hasn't exactly made the shirt his own yet.

There was criticism of the way Tottenham’s equalising goal went in on Tuesday and he just about avoided an embarrassing moment in the first half against Burnley.