Newcastle fought back to claim a 2-2 draw against Bournemouth despite a lacklustre performance.
The Magpies produced their worst 45 minutes of football since Matthias Jaissle’s arrival in the first half at a sunny St James’ Park, as the visitors were first to every challenge and every loose ball.
Marcus Tavernier epitomised that enthusiasm when he was quickest to react to Alex Scott’s deflected strike and poke home the opener, and it wasn’t long before Malick Thiaw’s own goal doubled the deficit, again following a lapse in concentration at the back and quick thinking from Scott.
Harvey Barnes’ stunning strike less than a minute after play restarted from the second goal gave Newcastle a lifeline out of nowhere, and it was Barnes involved again late on as his blocked shot dropped kindly for Jacob Ramsey to equalise.
Newcastle’s defence were wide open vs Bournemouth
Lukáš Horníček – 7/10 – The lone bright spot at the back, making four saves, three of which from shots inside the box.
Amar Dedić – 4/10 – His first disappointing display since signing, with both Cherries goals resulting from attacking players reacting quicker to loose balls.
Malick Thiaw – 4/10 – Unfortunate for the own goal, but the right side looked wide open and he made zero tackles or interceptions.
Sven Botman – 5/10 – You could have parked a bus in the gaps left between the two centre-backs, but the Dutchman did win seven out of 12 aerial duels.
Lewis Hall – 6/10 – Most of the attacks came down the other side but was not at his best.
Gonzalez and Miley’s possession play proved costly
Nico Gonzalez – 5/10 – The second new signing to struggle along with Dedić, comitting six fouls and being dribbled past three times.
Lewis Miley 3/10 – Really poor alongside Gonzalez, giving the ball away in dangerous areas and winning just one out of six duels.
Joe WIllock 6/10 – Arguably the only starting midfielder who belonged on the pitch, completing 89 per cent of his passes.
Barnes star of the show for Newcastle
Harvey Barnes – 9/10 – Might have prevented a hammering with his momentum-swinging screamer towards the end of the first half before forcing the eqauliser with his deflected shot.
Yoane Wissa – 8/10 – The home side’s best player in the first half, holding up play with very little service. The DR Congo international carried the ball 145.3m in total to get his team up the pitch.
Anthony Elanga – 5/10 – His worst game of the season so far, was withdrawn in the second half having completed just eight passes and zero successful dribbles.
Substitutes
Matias Fernandez-Pardo – 7/10 – Looked exciting every time he got the ball, produced half a penalty shout when his cross was deflected off a hand.
Jacob Ramsey – 8/10 – Added an immediate attacking impetus, completing over 80 per cent of his attacking half passes before he scored the equaliser.
Sean Steur – 5/10 – Produced some nice touches in his limited time on the pitch.
Jacob Murphy – 5/10 – Not enough time to make an impact.
Tino Livramento – N/A – Returned from injury late on.
