Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier provided another incredible assist on Sunday, but his achievement was nearly matched by his teammate on the opposite side of the pitch.
Trippier beautifully set up Alexander Isak for his second goal of the afternoon against West Ham, but the Swede came agonizingly close to getting a third.
The 24-year-old was played through on goal and managed to go round Alphonse Areola. However, he was forced wide by the West Ham goalkeeper, and his subsequent shot clattered off the post.
It was a defining moment in the game, as Newcastle missed the chance to make it 3-1 and Isak missed the chance to score his first hat-trick for the club.
And it also meant that Dan Burn was denied his second goal contribution this week.
The left-back scored during Newcastle’s 4-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday night, while he was nearly the creator on Sunday.
It was his through ball that put Isak in on goal, but he could not convert the opportunity as Newcastle went on to draw 2-2.
Eddie Howe was amazed by Dan Burn’s almost assist vs West Ham
While Eddie Howe was disappointed that Isak did not score, he was very impressed with Burn’s role in the chance. He spoke to BBC Sport after the game, and praised the £13million man’s pass.
“His pass for Alex was incredible,” he said.
“I didn’t know if he had that in his locker, to be honest. It was an incredible pass. I thought that at the time and I’ve just seen it again. It was an amazing bit of play from Dan.
“He is someone who gives his all whatever you ask him to do, and he got forward really well in the second half. He’s always a physical presence. I thought he defended really well too.”
Newcastle defender deserves more credit for his ability on the ball
It truly was a brilliant pass from Burn. It was the kind of pass you expect from Trippier on the right, but not from Burn on the left.
However, the 31-year-old certainly deserves a lot more credit for his ability on the ball. He has really impressed in that department this season, having linked up well with the likes of Anthony Gordon and Elliot Anderson.
The local lad has actually been one of Newcastle’s best players so far this season, which is very impressive considering how desperate the Magpies were to sign a senior left-back during the summer transfer window.
Instead, Howe brought in Lewis Hall and retained trust in Burn, who is repaying him with a string of solid performances.
He is always reliable on the left of defence, and will be disappointed that he did not get an assist against West Ham on Sunday.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
