Newcastle struggled to break down Bournemouth in a scoreless first half. The Magpies had the bulk of possession but were left frustrated by the Cherries. The performance has been uncharacteristically flat but the lads did surge late.
The Magpies were set up in the customary 4-3-3 with Pope behind a back four Trippier, Schar, Burn, and Targett. Bruno returned to anchor the midfield with Willock and Joelinton pushing forward. Isak led the line with Almiron to his right and Fraser on his left.
Newcastle dominated possession from the onset, often camped out in the Bournemouth end. However, it was the visitors with the first shot. Ryan Christie’s dribbling effort from outside the box was easily collected by Pope.
Bournemouth should have went ahead in the 15th minute. Jordan Zemura’s lofted cross sailed over Burn and met the head of Marcus Tavernier. The former Magpie youth product’s header was tame and drifted wide of the far post.
Newcastle’s first shot came moments later. Isak and Almiron worked well together outside of the area resulting in a shot from the Paraguayan. His low effort wasn’t well-struck and the ball dribbled into Neto’s waiting hands.
A well-worked free-kick in the 20th minute produced Newcastle’s second shot on target. Trippier lofted the ball to the right side of the box and Schar flashed a header towards the far post. Neto was there for a comfortable save.
Newcastle hit the woodwork in the 26th minute. Bruno won a free kick from 25-yards out. Trippier stepped up and curled a beauty that struck the far post and goes beyond for a goal-kick.
Newcastle were unfortunate not to move ahead with a flurry of thwarted shots in the 42nd minute. After a corner, Joelinton was expertly found inside the box. The Brazilian’s quick effort was denied by the far post. Then Neto made superb stops on follow-up blasts from Joelinton and Fraser.
Gary O’Neil will be the happier of the two managers at the break. His side have defended well and frustrated Newcastle, who need to pick up the tempo and find ways to get Isak more involved in the game.
202 comments so far
Richard
Sep 17, 2022 at 5:22 PM
Comment #201When teams park the bus with us its going to be difficult because of how we play. It was the best way to beat us and they played a blinder and almost did it.
Must say bringing on Longstaff for Bruno and Wood for Almiton doesnt get me very excited.
Soon as we get Shelvey back in the team the better. He is our artist able to break teams down with those killer passes. Bruno is good there but i think he would suit playing more of a box to box role alongside Joelinton slightly higher up the field.
All we need then is 3 of Almiron/Maximin/Wilson/Isak up front and that team for me would always find a way.
Shelvey i think is sorely missed in our team. A lot of his work goes unoticed but in terms of controlling games his tactical awareness and pin point passing is a blessing in these type of games. Hes also not shy to make these type of passes which is what we need. No one seems to take responsibilty when it comes to passing like Shelvey does.
Got a big feeling once Shelvey is back in the team we will start winning games and turning draws into decent wins!
jimiley
Sep 17, 2022 at 5:34 PM
Comment #202After the run Eddie went on from Jan to May and then comparing it to the start of this season after spending over 100 million in the summer, results need to improve quickly.
Why does a 12 million centre back keep put a 35 million? Was 63 million on Isak the best use of that money?
These owners will not mess around like Ashley. If we are not continually improving you are toast