What we learnt from Newcastle 1 Bournemouth 4 | OneFootball

The incredible winning form has come to a rather brutal end, the final whistle showing a scoreline of Newcastle 1 Bournemouth 4.

A high flying Bournemouth taking all three points, with an incredibly well-earned victory from the visitors.

Here are a few things we may have learned from this Newcastle 1 Bournemouth 4 match.

The most noticeable difference between the two sides today, other than one generally performing to a far higher standard than the other, was the directness in Bournemouth’s attack that Newcastle simply lacked. Whenever we found ourselves in an attacking position, we were far too patient and overly cautious on the ball, in an attempt to create the perfect chance before eventually losing possession.

No Newcastle players seemed willing to have a shot at goal, which was especially concerning in the second half when we were chasing the game. Given how deadly Newcastle can be on the counter-attack, especially given the pace of our front three, it’s a shame we didn’t show those qualities today in a game where the opposition went out and showed us how it was done.

On an individual level, some of our players displayed some of their poorest performances this season.

The usually stellar Lewis Hall, Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak standing out, given the significant difference in their performances. Sandro Tonali may be the only player who displayed anything better than a bang average performance, displaying the same confidence and composure on the ball as he does week in week out. Given the influence he has had on our midfield and general form in recent months, keeping Tonali fresh and fit must be seen as an absolute priority, given how irreplaceable he is in the starting 11.

Something that stood out more than ever today was Eddie Howe’s reluctance to use his subs bench, despite the desperate need for tactical change and fresh legs during the game.

Our recent cup tie at home to Bromley was a reminder of the gulf in quality between our starting side and our subs bench, and it’s clear Eddie sees it the same way. Fielding the same starting eleven week in week out, has clearly caught up to the players, and our inability and unwillingness to change things up has cost us dearly today. Strengthening our squad depth is a necessity this summer, especially if we once again qualify for European competition.

What is perhaps most noticeable about today’s game, however, was how much of a threat Bournemouth now are in our quest for European football. Now just a point behind us, they will likely be breathing down our necks in the league table for the remainder of the season, especially if they continue to perform at the standard they did today.

Andoni Iraola has absolutely transformed this Bournemouth team into a brilliant attacking side, full of pace and able to beat any top team on their day. Bournemouth’s ability to field such a strong side even when their injury list is so long, goes to show how great their depth is, which will pose even more of a threat to us and the others up the top end of the table should we lose a few key players to injury.

Overall, the better side won on the day, in what was almost certainly our poorest display since the West Ham defeat earlier in the season.

We can only hope this is something of an anomaly given our current form, not a return to some of the poor displays we saw prior to our outstanding winning streak.

Newcastle 1 Bournemouth 4 – Saturday 18 January 2025 12.30pm

Newcastle United:

Bruno 25

Bournemouth:

Possession was Newcastle 55% Bournemouth 45%

Total shots were Newcastle 13 Bournemouth 19

Shots on target were Newcastle 5 Bournemouth 10

Corners were Newcastle 7 Bournemouth 6

Touches in the box Newcastle 32 Bournemouth 35

Newcastle team v Bournemouth:

Dubravka, Livramento, Botman (Schar 46), Burn, Hall (Trippier 66), Tonali, Joelinton, Bruno (Osula 90+1), Murphy (Willock 66), Isak, Gordon

Unused subs:

Vlachodimos, Almiron, Kelly, Longstaff, Lewis Miley

(This is excellent from Eddie Howe – Exactly what I expected – Read HERE)

(Newcastle 1 Bournemouth 4 – Match ratings and comments on all Newcastle United players – Read HERE)

(The usual suspects embarrassing themselves after Bournemouth 1 Newcastle 4 – Read HERE)

(All good things must come to and end – Newcastle 1 Bournemouth 4 – Read HERE)

Saturday 25 January – Southampton v Newcastle (3pm)

Saturday 1 February – Newcastle v Fulham (3pm)

Wednesday 5 February – Newcastle v Arsenal (8pm) Sky Sports (League Cup)

Saturday 8 February – Birmingham v Newcastle (5.45pm) BBC1 and BBC iPlayer (FA Cup)

Saturday 15 February – Man City v Newcastle (3pm)