Allan Saint-Maximin inspired a brilliant turnaround as he came off the bench to earn Newcastle a vital 2-1 win at Burnley with a goal and assist in the space of seven minutes.
Steve Bruce’s side were second best to a well-drilled Burnley, who took a first-half lead through Matej Vydra following excellent work by Chris Wood.
But after the visitors had a penalty appeal for James Tarkowski’s high foot on Sean Longstaff rejected via the video assistant referee, the game turned their way with Saint-Maximin’s second-half introduction.
Burnley were threatening to add to their lead when the French winger and forward Callum Wilson came off the bench after 57 minutes, according to the BBC Sport report.
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But Saint-Maximin set up Jacob Murphy for the equaliser following a twisting run, and then scored a brilliant second goal with his left foot to earn a much-needed victory, which lifts Newcastle six points clear of the relegation zone.
There were further chances for Burnley, who pressed aggressively for an equaliser, and are now just a point above their opponents as their own relegation concerns increased.
But Bruce’s side held on, earning a first win in eight games to their evident relief at the final whistle.
The significance of a third win in 20 Premier League games for Bruce and his team cannot be overstated.
Having drawn against Tottenham last Sunday and watched Fulham suffer an injury-time defeat by Wolves on Friday that left the Cottagers three points behind Newcastle, there was a huge opportunity to take advantage against a Burnley side who have slipped into danger after a run of five successive home draws.
For much of the first half, the visitors, who were without the injured Jamaal Lascelles, struggled to deal with Burnley’s direct approach. Wood and Vydra caused all sorts of bother with Dwight McNeil also dangerous.
Their problems were exemplified by the opening goal as Ciaran Clark failed to stop Wood’s run and Vydra was left alone to slot in.