Newcastle boss Eddie Howe frustrated with “bizarre ending” to 2-1 win vs Burnley | OneFootball

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has ripped into his side for their sluggish second-half performance, which almost cost them a routine victory against Burnley.

The Magpies picked up a 2-1 win against the relegation-threatened Clarets at St. James’ Park, but there were one too many hairy moments at the end of the game, which didn’t sit well with Howe.

Newcastle took the lead on the half-hour mark when captain Bruno Guimaraes found the back of the net directly from a corner.

Things went from good to even better for the Magpies when Lucas Pires was sent off for a professional last-man foul.

Newcastle wasted no time making their numerical advantage pay as Anthony Gordon doubled their lead from the penalty spot deep into first-half stoppage time.

However, the second half performance was well below Howe’s expectations, and Newcastle were nearly made to pay for their sluggish display.

Despite having the numerical advantage, Newcastle were pegged back in second-half stoppage time when Zian Flemming converted a penalty to set up a nervy last couple of minutes.

The Magpies ultimately held on to claim all three points, but Howe was far from pleased by what he saw in the second 45 minutes.

“It was a bizarre ending because we looked like we were home at 2-0,” Howe said (via BBC).

“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 didn’t do well in the right areas – we didn’t do enough in the second half to break them down. Credit to Burnley and how they defended.

“It’s 10 points out of 12. Let’s try and be positive rather than negative.”

Newcastle have now extended their unbeaten run to four Premier League games, although the victory still wasn’t enough to push them into the top half of the table.

One of the few positives for Newcastle saw Yoane Wissa finally make his debut after struggling with injury issues since moving to St. James’ Park.

Howe will be keen to manage his minutes to avoid a relapse.