'Hopefully it's not the Premier League's worst!' - Ritchie reflects on horror Newcastle miss

Sean Wilson

'Hopefully it's not the Premier League's worst!' - Ritchie reflects on horror Newcastle miss image

Matt Ritchie was relieved that his horror miss was not punished as Newcastle held on to record a 2-1 victory over Burnley.

The winger got to the ball at the back post first after Joe Hart had parried DeAndre Yedlin's second-half poked effort aside, but somehow managed to hit the side-netting from point-blank range.

However, earlier goals from Federico Fernandez and Ciaran Clark proved enough for the Magpies despite Burnley striker Sam Vokes halving the deficit.

Ritchie's strike would have made the scoreline 3-1 and he spoke of his relief that his error did not cause his side to drop points.

EUROPEAN SOCCER LIVE & IN HD ON DAZN | DAZN CA

“I thought I’d scored to be honest. I was probably celebrating before I put it in the net," he told Sky Sports .

"Hopefully it doesn’t make the worst Premier League misses!

“I was delighted at the end there to see that ball [a late Vokes chance] go over the bar and the whistle go. It was a huge relief.”

Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez said he laughed about it with Ritchie after the game and praised his performance despite the miss.

“I have to see the replay. We were laughing at the end because he cannot understand.

“But in the end we won and he did a great job so even missing this chance, it’s not his position, so I have to congratulate everyone."

Benitez als admitted he was pleased with the three points but was keen to encourage his team to continue working hard in order to avoid relegation.

“It was a difficult game. We knew it could be tough, they are a strong team, very physical with the two strikers, wingers with pace. The three centre-backs did a great job.

“The team was pushing quite hard, we started well. It was a pity for us not to score the third goal but in the end to get three points I think is something we have to be really pleased with.

“It’s a long running race. Now we have won three in a row.

“What does that mean? Nothing. We are happier, we have more confidence but still we have to keep winning games if we want to stay up. The same message when we were losing is the message now when we are winning.”

Sean Wilson