By Samuel A. November 11, 2023
Dominic Solanke’s brace was just enough to give the cherries a well deserved victory over a Newcastle United team that has been bruised with a lot of injuries. Andoni Iraiola’s side failed to capitalise on numerous chances initially in the first half before Dominic Solanke eventually broke the deadlock just after an hour, taking advantage of a loose ball that ricocheted off Joe Willock to slot in from close range. He doubled the lead 13 minutes later, flicking in a rebound after Luis Sinisterra’s header came back off the post.
It was a disappointing result for Newcastle, who were without midfielder Bruno Guimaraes through suspension, injured striker Callum Wilson, amongst other key players just before Miggy Almiron was forced off in the first half. Anthony Gordon had the chance to pull one back after a composed take to beat a Bournemouth defender, but lacked the perfect finish as he played it straight into the gloves of the keeper.
Sean Longstaff had the best of their chances late in the second half, curling over the bar from an unmarked position, but only after goalkeeper Nick Pope made several smart saves to prevent Bournemouth’s tally rising.
The defeat at Vitality Stadium leaves Howe’s side seventh in the Premier League table, four points behind fourth placed Liverpool, and the Reds can extend their advantage against Brentford at Anfield on Sunday. Meanwhile, Bournemouth have opened up a three point gap on the bottom three with just their second victory from 12 Premier League matches this season.
Newcastle came into this match with several first team players missing, including forwards Alexander Isak and Wilson, while there was a first Premier League start for 17 year old midfielder Lewis Miley. Howe was seen puffing out his cheeks and holding his head in his hands as Newcastle players received treatment on the pitch, with Fabian Schar and Longstaff recovering, but Almiron unable to carry on.
Still feeling the effects of their Champions League defeat at Borussia Dortmund, Newcastle lacked intensity and made too many individual errors, as Bournemouth eventually took their chances in the second half. Solanke’s double did little to spark Newcastle into action and it was the hosts who finished the game in search of goals, missing a host of chances late on. Pope remained Newcastle’s standout performer until the final whistle, producing a superb save to tip Sinisterra’s effort inches over the bar.
It was a well rounded performance from Bournemouth and a deserved three points which now takes them out of the relegation zone.
