Newcastle United limped to victory over Burnley last night, but Scott Parker still had positive things to say about his opponents.
Getting the three points to end the year was all that really mattered for Newcastle United, but fans have every right to be a little concerned after watching that performance at Turf Moor.
What do you think is more important – the performance or the result?
We won't win many more away games if we're that open again…
While the likes of Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes stepped up with solid displays and a goal apiece, it was another frustrating night for Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali looked way off it once more.
Eddie Howe has work to do in 2026, that’s for sure. But, he will be buoyed by the compliment paid to his team by Scott Parker.
- READ MORE: Newcastle United player ratings vs Burnley as 8/10 star shines in dreadful Sandro Tonali performance
What Scott Parker said about Newcastle United
Speaking to the Burnley website in the wake of the 3-1 defeat, Parker was clearly pleased with his team’s efforts and made a special mention of how strong Newcastle are.
He said: “The mentality, desire and adversity we showed to going down 2-0 early on is what pleased me. I’m just so frustrated because there were so many positives to take despite the defeat.
“The second half was full of desire, commitment and quality – I couldn’t have asked much more of the lads. In adversity and hardship, we stood up. We didn’t hide. We didn’t disappear. We stood up to the challenge and took the game to a very good Newcastle side.”
To be honest, it’s an odd time for him to say such a thing. Newcastle were unable to control the game, needed a couple of great goals to seal the win, and even Alan Shearer was critical of the Magpies and their turgid display.
Still, maybe Parker is referring to the ‘very good’ Newcastle team in general. We all know the side is better than this, and it’s surely only a matter of time before they get back to that level.
Who was your MOTM against Burnley?!
Feel free to name your worst player too 😂
Newcastle are Scott Parker’s bogey team
It’s yet another defeat for Parker, who really does not enjoy facing his former team. In fact, the ex-Newcastle captain has never beaten the Magpies as a manager.
In five meetings, he’s now lost four matches and drawn one. Only Man City have inflicted more misery on Parker, with six wins from six games.
Eddie Howe seemed worried about Burnley before the match, but given this record and the fact Newcastle got the win despite not being at their best, he really shouldn’t have been.
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