Newcastle United vs Bournemouth: Read Eddie Howe's pre-match message | OneFootball

Under Andoni Iraola, Bournemouth have shown their quality this season, and their recent performance and result away at Arsenal underlines just how organised and dangerous they can be against any side.

But we know we know we can be too, and we are focused on delivering a performance that demonstrates our own decisive strengths and qualities today.

Our meetings with Bournemouth over recent seasons have generally been tight, competitive contests, not least in our FA Cup tie earlier this year, which went the distance. We know exactly the level of challenge they will bring today, and it’s one we look forward to embracing.

Our focus this week has been on taking lessons forward and preparing to show the best version of ourselves in all aspects.

Against Crystal Palace last weekend, we didn’t do that enough for the full duration of the game, and the disappointment of coming up short was shared by all of us.

We put ourselves in a strong position, executed our plan well in the first half and led through Will Osula. However, games in the Premier League are decided by key moments, and we didn’t manage the closing stages as well as we needed to.

That’s something we’ve looked at honestly and constructively, because the standards we set ourselves demand better. We also have to use the negative emotions felt in defeat to strengthen our collective determination to respond in the right way.

We’re pleased to have a strong group back together after the recent international fixtures, with players returning from injury adding competition and energy as we move into a crucial period. The feeling around the place has been positive, focused and together.

During the break in domestic fixtures, we also shared the news that Kieran Trippier will leave the club when his contract expires this summer. Kieran’s impact since arriving in January 2022 cannot be overstated. He has set standards, led by example and played a central role in so many of the moments we have all enjoyed together.

There will be time to properly celebrate his contribution, and it will be deserved, but right now his focus - like everyone else’s - is firmly on helping the team finish this season as strongly as possible.

With six Premier League matches remaining and 18 points still to play for, our objective is clear and shared - to take as many points as we can and finish the season with momentum.

We want to show the very best version of ourselves – the version that works relentlessly for each other, plays with technical excellence, courage and intensity, and has already shown it can compete with the best teams in this league and beyond. Every game now is an opportunity, and we intend to approach each one with belief and togetherness.

Above all, we want to win for you. Home and away, in this country and across Europe, you have stood with us through the highs and the difficult moments. This club is built on that connection, and it means everything to us. Over these final weeks of the season, we will be giving absolutely everything to play our part and end this campaign on a high.

A huge thank you for your support.

Eddie Howe.

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