Christian Atsu benched as Newcastle get third successive victory in win at Burnley

Christian Atsu was benched as Newcastle United defeated Burnley 2-1 on Monday night to move up to 13th in the English Premier League.

Ghanaian midfielder watched from the bench as the Magpies took advantage of Burnley's defensive frailties to secure their third successive victory.

The visitors opened the scoring when a Federico Fernandez effort deflected in off Burnley defender Ben Mee after long dominance by Newcastle.

Ciaran Clark headed in from a Matt Ritchie cross to extend their lead which proved decisive for Rafael Benitez's side

Sam Vokes gave some hope for the home side when he connected with Mee's long ball to loop a header over goalkeeper Martin Dubravka from almost 18 yards but Burnley were unable to grab the much needed equaliser.

Newcastle could have extended their lead as they dominated for long periods of the game but decent chances for Matt Ritchie and substitute Joselu were fluffed.

With the Magpies now showing good form in recent matches, Atsu's place on the bench would be worrying as coach Benitex would be unlikely to make changes to his winning starting team.

The result leaves Burnley 17th in the table, one point above the relegation