Newcastle’s hopes of qualifying for Europe further collapsed as they lost 2-1 to Bournemouth in the closing stages. Bournemouth themselves extended their unbeaten run in the Premier League to 13 games.
After back-to-back losses to Sunderland and Crystal Palace, it felt like a game the Magpies needed to win, but rather took them away from their European image.
The pressure is mounting on Eddie Howe as Newcastle’s ability to see games is once again called into question.
Andoni Iraola’s in-form side showed little negative impact this week after the Cherries manager announced he would be leaving the club at the end of the season.
They were the better of the first half as a lackluster Newcastle side struggled to deal with the press. Bournemouth also took the lead after the 30th minute when Marcus Tavernier tapped in Ryan’s pass.
The Cherries could have taken a 2-0 lead soon after with a copycat move, but Evanilsson was unable to turn Alex Scott’s shot home. The England midfielder almost put the ball into his own goal at the other end, but Djordje Petrovic made a great stop late in the second half.
Lewis Hall was replaced by Kieran Trippier during the break, in what appeared to be an injury substitution, but there was more positive news in the 62nd minute when captain Bruno Guimarães returned to action for the first time in two months to great cheers.
His influence was immediately felt as Newcastle equalized. It was initially thought that his pass had found Will Osla, but Osla was able to keep the defenders at bay in front of the goal.
William Osla delighted after VAR review confirmed his equalizer against Bournemouth
As he celebrated, the offside flag had already been raised and the match was called off. However, when VAR checked the goal, it was actually Evanilson who made the final touch before Guimarães, meaning Osla was onside, and the equalizing goal was therefore awarded.
However, there was another injury concern when Tino Livramento appeared to be limping with a groin injury. “His season could be over,” manager Tim Sherwood said on Saturday’s Soccer Show, adding to England’s concerns about the World Cup.
Marcus Tavernier headed home Ryan’s cross to put Bournemouth ahead against Newcastle.
Newcastle’s afternoon took a turn for the worse when Truffert gave Bournemouth the lead again in the 85th minute. He also started moving and picked Tavernier on the left side. His cross was well met by Evanilsson, who was between two defenders, before Truffert darted out and pushed the loose ball past Aaron Ramsdale.
This is the third consecutive game in the Premier League in which Newcastle have conceded a goal after the 80th minute, as they continue to struggle to defend their points.
William Osla equalizes Newcastle vs. Bournemouth
Nine minutes into stoppage time, Guimarães again drew a fine save from Petrovic before Byrne headed home and Newcastle lost again.
They remain in 14th place with 42 points, six behind eighth-placed Bournemouth, but their dreams of European adventure have been further boosted, leaving them level with Brentford and Chelsea on 48 points.
Howe: We’re trying to find answers.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe told Sky Sports:
“I don’t think we were at our best. I think we were pretty even between goals. I don’t think there was a lot of content. They’re obviously in good shape and playing with confidence. We’re the opposite of that. That probably balanced out the performance where they were more productive than us in front of goal. In the end, that decided the game.”
“It’s understandable given the way we’ve been playing lately (St James’ Park is flat). The way we’re playing isn’t up to our usual standards. We’ve got to understand the rough spots and the good spots and take both sides into account. We haven’t been able to do what we’d like to, so we’ve got to accept that.”
“You have to accept it to a certain extent. We’re here to win games. We’re here to accomplish great things. This season could have been different. We’re in the position we’re in at the moment and it’s frustrating for everyone. I don’t have a problem with the demands placed on us. I think it comes with the territory.”
“It’s not for a lack of hard work or dedication from me or the players. We know we don’t have a good enough product at the moment, but we’re trying to find an answer to that.”
Iraora: Catch these teams in 5 games
Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola told Sky Sports.
“I think we played really well, especially in the first half. In the second half we expected a reaction from them, but they forced us. At 1-1 the tide of the game changed, but we showed composure and this was to be expected.”
“As an away team, this is a very difficult place and we have to be ready for the intensity. This team is very good in transition, very fast on the final line, so you can lose races like that. But overall we defended very well.”
“I think we are in a great position and have had great results. We are at an important stage of the season. We have a chance.
“It’s difficult because we have teams in front of us, but we have five games to catch up with these teams and keep playing well and keep this unbeaten streak going for as long as possible, because they’ve shown they don’t take breaks.”
