Sean Longstaff had a great afternoon leading Newcastle United to victory over Burnley.
After scoring seven goals in Newcastle United’s 4-1 victory over Burnley, Sean Longstaff was serenaded by a raucous away end brimming with grateful Newcastle supporters at Turf Moor.
“Sean Longstaff, he’s one of our own,” the fans yelled from their side of the field after the midfield player scored Newcastle’s second goal of the day. For a player who has endured a difficult campaign and has faced more criticism than others, that show of support must have felt very meaningful.
At full time, Longstaff stated, “They follow us around the nation, and there have been days when we haven’t been there.” “There’s nothing better than giving them an away day to remember, so that’s good.”
Longstaff may not have matched his incredible form of last season in recent months but the academy graduate has been an ever-present figure in Eddie Howe’s side given constant injuries in the Magpies’ camp. The 26-year-old has himself been playing through the pain, taking injections for a foot problem throughout the campaign.
Longstaff and Newcastle’s fellow Geordie contingent were celebrated last week against Sheffield United as Wor Flags unveiled a pre-match display dedicated to the local lads of Howe’s group. It turns out the midfielder has also received one to one support from his manager just this week after what must have been a testing season both on and off the pitch.
“I had a good chat with the manager this week,” Longstaff told NUFC TV after Saturday’s win. “He pulled me and reaffirmed to me all the positives that I bring to the team. Sometimes it’s nice to have that conversation and the timing was really good.
It’s possible to become engrossed with everything going on outside at times. What others are saying is outside of my control. In the end, all I can do is play football and listen to what people have to say. That’s just the way things are.
He has faith in me, and I am truly grateful for it. Since they first came in the door, he and his staff have been nothing but kind to me. He is a unique individual.
Following the match at Turf Moor, Sean’s brother Matty scored for Toronto FC in the Major League Soccer, and Longstaff’s goal put Newcastle ahead against Burnley.
