Struggling for form in recent weeks, the visit of Bournemouth represented the ideal opportunity for Newcastle to get back to winning ways. Despite dominating the ball throughout the first half, the home side failed to find a breakthrough. Usually impeccable from set-pieces, Kieran Trippier’s right-footed strike clattered against the post, much to the frustration of a packed-out St. James’ Park. The woodwork would once again come to Bournemouth’s rescue just before the break, with Joelinton hitting the crossbar from an acute angle inside the penalty area.
Passengers in the first half, a shift in approach would see the visitors attacking threat increase early in the second, with Bournemouth eventually rewarded for their endeavours. Poking home Jordan Zemura’s early cross into the box, Philip Billing’s second goal of the campaign caught goalkeeper Nick Pope by surprise, while giving the Cherries an unlikely lead.
Despite the opening goal having brought a hush to St James’ Park, Newcastle didn’t panic after going behind, instead the hosts responded swifty, with Alexander Isak levelling things up from the spot four minutes later. Trippier’s cross struck the arm of Jefferson Lerma, with referee Craig Pawson eventually awarding a penalty following consultation with the VAR official. Confidently slotting home from 12 yards, the Swedish international made no mistake, sending Bournemouth shot-stopper Neto the wrong way.
Throughout the entirety of the 2021/22 campaign, Newcastle recorded just 10 draws, yet their tally of stalemates for this campaign already sits at five. Groans from the Newcastle supporters met referee Pawson’s FT whistle, as the performances continue to fall somewhat short of the expectation for Howe’s big-spending Newcastle side.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Philip Billing (Bournemouth)
