25/05 - 15:00
Dominic Solanke banged home a brace, as Bournemouth inflicted a 2-0 defeat on Newcastle United on Saturday as former Cherries manager Eddie Howe endured an unhappy return to the Vitality Stadium.
The south coast club were good value for their victory and created the better openings in a goal-less first-half before Solanke struck in the 61st and 73rd minutes to give his side a two-goal cushion.
A tired Newcastle side were second best for the majority off the encounter and have further injury concerns after losing forward Miguel Almiron with a knock in the first-half.
The Action: Keen to forget their 6-1 defeat to Manchester City last time out, Bournemouth made a fast start and Antoine Semenyo drew a good save out of Newcastle keeper Nick Pope after just three minutes.
The Magpies tried to soak up the early pressure while posing a threat themselves and within the first 10 minutes Sean Longstaff had a decent shot tipped behind for a corner by Neto in the hosts' goal.
Both sides then picked up knocks - Newcastle's Fabian Schar and Bournemouth's Semenyo both requiring treatment - to disrupt the early rhythm and intensity.
A good flurry of end-to-end football came around the half hour mark, however, Jamaal Lascelles' header clawed to safety by Neto, despite a late offside call, Justin Kluivert then forcing Magpies stopper Pope into a good save with a fierce drive from distance.
Newcastle's injury woes struck again before the break, as Miguel Almiron hobbled off and it was Bournemouth who continued to threaten: arguably the best chance of the half falling to Semenyo who dragged this shot a yard wide after a wonderful back-heel from Dominic Solanke.
With a couple of minutes left in the half, Semenyo again found a fantastic position in the box only for his touch to crucially let him down, and the first half ended goal-less.
The second period started with a scare for Newcastle, as Kieran Trippier's misjudged back pass offered Solanke an opening, which he was unable to capitalise upon much to the relief of the England defender.
The hosts kept knocking on the door, however, and they took the lead in the 61st minute when Solanke reacted first to a ball breaking loose in the box to blast home at the near post.
In truth, Newcastle looked leggy all over the pitch, but Anthony Gordon almost conjured something out of nothing moments later when he nutmegged Illia Zabarnyi on the edge of the box to gain a clear sight of goal. Unfortunately for the young England Under-21 international, his shot was straight down Neto's throat.
Bournemouth weren't finished, however, and they scored their second goal of the evening through that man Solanke. A whipped corner caused havoc at the near post and when Luis Sinistierra's header rebounded off the post, Solanke again reacted quickest to net with an improvised finish from close range.
Sean Longstaff then blazed over when well-placed for the visitors, but Sinistierra twice went close as Bournemouth continued to look the more energetic side.
Solanke blasted an opportunity for his hat-trick into the side netting and Sinisterra saw another effort fabulously tipped over by Pope, but Andoni Iraola's side earned a welcome three points to claim their second Premier League win of the season and take some pressure off their manager.
xG: Bournemouth (2.52) 2-0 (0.59) Newcastle
2-0 | ||
Dominic Solanke 60' 73' |
