Allan Saint-Maximin came off the bench and delivered his own brand of magic to inspire Newcastle United to a vital 2-1 victory at Burnley that lifts them six points clear of the Premier League relegation zone.
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Trailing to Matej Vydra's first-half goal on Sunday, Newcastle looked uninspired before Steve Bruce brought on Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson in the 57th minute.
It was Wilson's first appearance since February 6, with the Magpies winless during the time their top scorer has been out with a hamstring problem, but it was Saint-Maximin who would do the damage at Turf Moor.
Within two minutes of his introduction, the Frenchman - limited to 18 league appearances this season through illness and injury - ran into the penalty area, drawing three defenders before pulling the ball back for Jacob Murphy to fire in an equaliser.
Five minutes later, Saint-Maximin scored a sensational individual goal, racing from the halfway line before finding the bottom corner.
It was a remarkable turnaround after Newcastle had been second best for almost a full hour, and one which could just transform their season.
Victory ended a seven-game winless run for Bruce's side, and the second-half display offered a road map out of trouble.
But Sean Dyche must rue the three points that got away as his side, who have won just one of their last eight, let a winning position slip for a second week running.
Australian Associated Press
