North East | Pressure building on Eddie Howe
Newcastle United 1 - 2 Bournemouth
Adrien Truffert struck a late winner to extend Bournemouth’s impressive unbeaten run and compound another difficult afternoon for Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe.
Author | Anthony Gates
Stadium | St. James' Park
The visitors, now unbeaten in a club record 13 Premier League matches, appeared intent on giving manager Andoni Iraola a fitting farewell after it was confirmed this week he will leave at the end of the season.
Although Newcastle forward William Osula cancelled out Marcus Tavernier’s opener midway through the second half, there was still time for a decisive twist at St James’ Park.
Tavernier turned provider, sending in a cross that Evanilson headed down for the unmarked Truffert to drive into the roof of the net, prompting Iraola to sprint down the touchline as his side climbed to eighth.
It was a familiar pattern for Howe against his former club
Howe had insisted his fire was burning “very strongly” on the eve of the game, amid growing scrutiny over his future, but it was Bournemouth who took control early on.
The visitors went ahead when Rayan skipped past Lewis Hall on the right and cut the ball back for Tavernier, who bundled in from close range.
There were scattered boos from the home support at half-time, though Newcastle responded after the interval.
Evanilson inadvertently set Osula through after hooking the ball forward while attempting to challenge substitute Bruno Guimaraes in midfield.
Osula raced clear, composed himself under pressure from Marcos Senesi and slotted past Bournemouth goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic.
The goal was initially ruled out for offside by referee Tom Bramall but was awarded after a VAR review, sparking loud celebrations from the home crowd.
However, Truffert’s late intervention ultimately settled the contest, leaving Newcastle down in 14th place.
The Bournemouth perspective
Iraola and his staff had joked with Truffert that his first goal was imminent after a series of sharp finishes in training on the eve of the game. So it proved.
Judging by Truffert’s exuberant celebrations, it had been worth the wait as Bournemouth once again demonstrated their resolve.
Some sides have faltered after conceding an equaliser at St James’ Park, but this Bournemouth team showed their resilience.
They arrived on the back of victory at Arsenal last week and followed it up with another impressive result.
Rather than retreating at 1-1, Bournemouth continued to sense vulnerability in Newcastle and pushed for a winner.
That response was all the more striking coming just days after Iraola confirmed he would depart at the end of his contract.
Yet neither his commitment nor that of his players has been in doubt as they attempt a late push for a European place.
It was little surprise Iraola was serenaded by the travelling supporters high in the stands at full-time. This had been a journey worth making for the away fans.
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