Newcastle United vs Burnley. Premier League.
St James' Park, NewcastleAttendance50,174.
Thursday 1 February 2018 20:25, UK
An unfortunate own goal from Newcastle goalkeeper Karl Darlow allowed Burnley to earn a 1-1 draw at St James' Park in the Premier League on Wednesday.
Darlow diverted the ball into his own net in the 85th minute after saving a Sam Vokes header from close range, the rebound off the bar striking him on the top of the head and across the line.
It was a crushing moment for Newcastle who had taken the lead through captain Jamaal Lascelles in the 65th minute, after Joselu had a penalty saved in the first half.
Newcastle debutant Kenedy impressed playing from the left of midfield, looking the most likely to make something happen in the game.
The Chelsea loanee almost opened the scoring for Newcastle when he cut in from the right and curled a shot from 20 yards which Nick Pope did well to tip onto the post, especially as it was deflected on its way by Kevin Long. Christian Atsu pounced on the rebound but his tame shot from eight yards was held by Pope.
Kenedy was at the centre of things again when he played a one-two with Mikel Merino. The Brazilian received the ball back in the area and his drag back bamboozled Phil Bardsley who crudely took him down, with referee Simon Hooper pointing to spot.
But Joselu stepped up to strike a weak penalty to Pope's left, which he palmed away.
Kenedy would remain in the thick of things after the break and provided the assist for Newcastle's opener, swinging in a corner for Lascelles to lose Kevin Long in the area to reach the cross at the front post and head home.
Newcastle were looking comfortable until Burnley went very direct resulting in the goal, as Vokes diverted Long's header towards goal only for Darlow to be unlucky when the ricochet
Burnley move up to seventh despite the fact they are winless in their last eight Premier League games, while Newcastle are in 14th, one point above the relegation zone.
Rafa Benitez: "I think we created enough for winning the game and this kind of game, when you have two or three chances from the penalty and we hit the post, you have to take your chances and then you will not be defending fouls and corners and all these things.
"We have to keep going. The positives are that we created a lot of chances and we were capable to win the game and just take the chances. It's not that you're not doing well, that you don't create and you are suffering, we were doing well but we have to be better, we have to manage the situation better."
Sean Dyche: "Unfortunately, we can't get a penalty. It's a definitely a penalty for Jack Cork, he turns in the box and realises he's not going to get there, throws his body in the way, brings Cork down, it's a definite penalty but we just can't get one."
The Brazilian showed the extra quality that Newcastle have missed all season. On his debut he showed guile on the ball, set up a goal and was very close to scoring himself. If Newcastle are to stay up, it looks like he will become a key man for them.
Newcastle travel to face Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon for a 2.15pm kick-off, which is live on Sky Sports Premier League from 1.30pm.
Burnley host Manchester City on Saturday at 12.30pm, live on Sky Sports Main Event.
