Goalscorer Burn hails ‘huge’ Athletic Club win as Newcastle bounce back from West Ham loss
Dan Burn said is was “huge” for Newcastle to secure their third straight Champions League win and bounce back from Sunday’s defeat at West Ham by beating Athletic Club.
Newcastle were 2-0 winners in the Champions League clash at St James’ Park with Burn planting a lovely header to open the scoring before Joelinton scored the second from close range.
The Magpies have struggled for consistency in the Premier League but are finding their stride in Europe’s elite competition, having beaten Union Saint-Gilloise, Benfica and Athletic Club since a narrow loss to Barcelona.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Burn said: “It’s huge. We said we wanted to respond after the weekend. I knew we would turn up today. We controlled large parts of it. We’ve got nine points now.
“I’ve been due one for a while, and then when it came in, I decided I would head it as hard as I could. We’ve been working on it. We knew I’d have some space around the back. At least it was a good header.
“They pressed really well. We were surprised. We thought they would sit in more. Second half, we wanted to stretch it more. I’m buzzing for Joey, he’s been due a goal like me.
“I said I love playing centre back, it’s my best position. I like playing left-back, I get to go up and down but it’s tougher on the legs.
“We had to win our home games. We were unlucky in the Barcelona one. We have some away ones coming up now.”
Howe: Burn header reminded me of cup final goal
Manager Eddie Howe was equally pleased with his side’s professional display and said Burn’s flying header reminded him of the goal he scored in Newcastle’s Carabao Cup final win last year.
The Toon boss added: “Really pleased with today. It was an important response to West Ham. We had a quick turnaround for this game. I don’t think it was us at our best but we’re in a good position now in this competition.
“We learn a lot. This format is really good, more games but it’s a bigger test when you return to the Premier League. It’s been good to have a game off the back of West Ham, we’ve put that away and we scored two goals.
“It [the goal] was very reminiscent of the cup final. It was from distance. It was a training ground move so well done to all the coaches involved in that.
“Joelinton needs to score. He’s always been a scorer of big goals for us. We’ve worked on it. We need our eights and wide men to start chipping in.
“Across the board, it’s consistency in our performance wherever we play. Now we go away in the Champions League. Marseille away will be incredibly difficult.”