Eddie Howe message after Burnley ‘Let us try to be positive rather than negative’

The Saturday night message from Eddie Howe is; “Let us try to be positive rather than negative.”

This comes after Newcastle United won 2-1 at St James’ Park against Burnley.

The visitors made a spirited start and forced a series of corners.

By half-time though, United were deservedly 2-0 up and playing against ten men, Bruno Guimaraes scoring direct from a corner and Anthony Gordon from the penalty spot.

However, despite controlling the second half, Newcastle United failed to add the third goa that would have made the game more than safe.

At 2-0 up you are only one goal away from coming under serious pressure and having survived after the break without conceding further, Burnley then were gifted a penalty deep into added time.

Once that went in, United with a couple of nervy minutes to see out and Burnley had another big chance but failed to take it.

This match a reminder that as well as seeing the positives of banking ten points from a possible twelve, Newcastle United do have to start and convert more of the chances they create.

Eddie Howe talking after Newcastle 2 Burnley 1:

“It was a bizarre ending because we looked like we were home [and dry] at 2-0.

“One goal can always change things and then the penalty happens.

“The extra man advantage then goes out of the window and you have to see that bit out.

“It was a sluggish start.

“Bruno got us a goal from a corner, we went 2-0 up, and I was hoping for a really vibrant second half, but it didn’t happen.

“We did not do well in the right areas.

“We did not do enough in the second half to break them down.

“It is credit to Burnley and how they defended.

“It is 10 points out of 12 for us.

“Let us try to be positive rather than negative.”

Newcastle 2 Burnley 1 – Saturday 6 December 2025 3pm

Match Stats

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Bruno 31, Gordon 45+8 pen

Burnley:

Pires red card 43, Flemming 90+4 pen

Possession was Newcastle 69% Burnley 31%

Total shots were Newcastle 17 Burnley 9

Shots on target were Newcastle 7 Burnley 3

Corners were Newcastle 9 Burnley 9

Touches in the opposition box Newcastle 25 Burnley 19

Newcastle team v Burnley:

Ramsdale, Livarmento, Thiaw, Schar, Burn (Hall 63), Willock (Miley 63), Bruno, Ramsey (Tonali 96), Gordon (Joelinton 74), Elanga, Woltemade (Wissa 74)

Unused subs:

Ruddy, Barnes, Alex Murphy, Jacob Murphy