A much rotated Newcastle side earned a point at in-form Bournemouth to end their winning streak, but were unable to deny them re-entry into the top four.Bournemouth exacted early pressure on the visit...
A much rotated Newcastle side earned a point at in-form Bournemouth to end their winning streak, but were unable to deny them re-entry into the top four.
Bournemouth exacted early pressure on the visitors from Tyneside and David Brooks thought he put his side one-nil up only to be flagged offside.
The majority of chances fell to the away side in a less end-to-end second half, but Eddie Howe remains without a win in eight visits to the Vitality with another club.
As it happened
Andoni Iraola’s men started brightest with two promising attempts on goal by right back Álex Jiménez either side of Tyler Adams’ effort from range on eight minutes, which brought a good save out of Nick Pope.
Bournemouth arguably had their best spell inside the opening 10 minutes with 82% possession, as Newcastle were unable to muster a shot on goal.
The Magpies first tested goalkeeper Đorđe Petrović, as Nick Woltemade held the ball up for Sando Tonali, who threaded a neat pass in behind for Jacob Murphy to race onto and force the save at the near post.
But their momentum was halted as Bournemouth striker Evanilson turned and shot towards goal before winger Brooks skipped inside of Tino Livramento and tapped the ball into the net. However, he did so starting from an offside position.
Newcastle looked for Woltemade to make use of his solid hold up play numerous times, where their best chances of the half began, whilst the Cherries‘ top scorer Antoine Semenyo looked dangerous on the dribble.
The away side went into half time on level pegging for the third time this season, and needed to some inspiration in front of goal.
Newcastle did find pace on the counter with neat one-touch move. Tonali sent the cross in from the right for Woltemade, but the German fell to the ground trying to turn back towards goal. Referee Rob Jones waved away the penalty appeal.
Another attack saw Livramento touch the ball around Brooks and pick out Tonali to cross once more, but the shot didn’t come after Lewis Hall hooked it back across the face of goal from the left.
On the hour mark, Brooks claimed he was caught by Milan loanee Malick Thiaw as he shielded the ball to allow Nick Pope to collect the ball outside his box. However, no action was taken following a prompt VAR check.
Harvey Barnes looked lively coming on as a substitute and threatened by driving into the penalty area before a well-timed challenge from fellow substitute James Hill.
The home fans were calling for Thiaw to be shown a second yellow card after he stepped out to meet Ryan Christie and showed little initiative to challenge for the ball.
Bournemouth were awarded a free kick on the edge of ‘D’ as Barnes’ outstretched arm blocked a shot, entering five minutes of stoppage time.
Patrick Kluivert’s low effort was parried away comfortably by Pope before a second potential handball by William Osula was checked and cleared, which proved to be the final major goalmouth action of the 90.
Newcastle lack familiarity with new set up
It came as no surprise that Howe would have to make changes to the side that was narrowly beaten 2-1 by Barcelona in their mid-week Champions League clash.
But he opted to change the shape from a back four system to a 3-5-2 to allow Malik Thiaw to make his full first team debut before his withdrawal in the 84th minute.
Jacob Murphy’s relative inexperience up front did show as he was not involved in much of the action in the second half and struggled to find space off the ball.
Osula, a more recognised striker, did come off the bench but appeared to be playing out wide while another winger, Anthony Elanga, took over up front.
Newcastle accumulated just 0.14 expected goals, highlighting a lack of familiarity among players being asked to play in alternative positions and with the tactical approach overall.
Another good day’s work for Bournemouth
Some Bournemouth fans will still be pinching themselves as they ended the match third in the Premier League.
They have been the surprise package so far this season and still looked dangerous out wide with Adrien Truffert and Antoine Semenyo, while Adams and Alex Scott battled hard and provided a sturdy midfield.
This is despite their other star attacker Kluivert being introduced late on as a substitute, and the outgoings of other key performers such as Illia Zabarnyi to Paris Saint-Germain.
With only two defeats this season both coming on the road, they are likely to remain in such an impressive position if they find a goal or two at the Vitality.
The lineups
Category: General Sports
