Bournemouth 1-1 Newcastle United: Magpies miss chance to move up to third with draw against Cherries

Newcastle United missed the chance to climb up to third place in the Premier League table as Eddie Howe’s return to struggling Bournemouth ended in a frustrating 1-1 draw.

The Magpies boss enjoyed great success during a lengthy stint in the Cherries dugout, but his first time back since departing in 2020 looked like it could be a sour homecoming when the hosts took the lead on the half-hour mark.

Newcastle had been sluggish from the kick off and fell asleep at a left-wing corner that allowed Marcos Senesi to touch home at the far post and score his first goal for Bournemouth.

The visitors struggled to carve out openings but snatched an undeserved equaliser on the stroke of half time when Miguel Almiron was well placed to fire home after Neto had parried Sean Longstaff’s stinging effort.

Newcastle continued to probe in the second period but substitute Anthony Gordon blew their best chance when he fired a rebound wide 20 minutes from time.

The result means the Magpies remain in fourth spot, two points ahead of Tottenham having played one game fewer.

Bournemouth have now won just once in 13 league matches and remain in 19th place, but the Cherries do move within a point of 17th-placed Leeds United.

Newcastle will now turn their attention to a home match against Liverpool next Saturday. Bournemouth travel to Wolves.

Talking point

Newcastle are the draw specialists. This was a fifth draw in six league outings for the Magpies and their 11th overall. They remain unbeaten in what is now an impressive 17-game run in the top-flight, but Howe will definitely feel this was a missed opportunity given that the teams immediately below them dropped points earlier in the day.

Newcastle want to look above them but they will need to turn more of these types of draws into victories if they are to truly make an impact beyond securing a Champions League berth this term, which ultimately remains the priority for the season.

Bournemouth will believe they did enough to win the game and will need more of the same in the weeks and months ahead if they are to stand any realistic chance of avoiding the drop.

Player of the match – Philip Billing (Bournemouth)

Epitomised Bournemouth’s energy and desire. Won countless tackles and was tidy in possession.

Player Ratings

Match Highlights

13’ – BOURNEMOUTH CHANCE! Solanke flicks Anthony’s left-wing cross towards the far post with a lovely header, but Pope is across to push to safety.

30’ – GOAL! – Bournemouth 1-0 Newcastle United. Senesi stabs home a simple finish at the far post after Ouattara flicked on a left-wing corner.

45+2’ – GOAL! – Bournemouth 1-1 Newcastle United. Almiron tucks away the rebound after Neto had parried Longstaff’s thumping low shot.

71’ – NEWCASTLE CHANCE! Longstaff and Gordon both fail to make the most of a close-range rebound after Neto had fumbled Saint-Maximin’s tame effort.

90’ – BOURNEMOUTH CHANCE! Trippier completes a superb clearance off the line to somehow keep out Solanke’s close-range flick.

Key Stat

Almirón has scored 10 goals in 22 Premier League games in 2022-23, one more than he scored in 110 appearances in his first four seasons in the competition combined (nine goals).