Newcastle United’s ambitious quest for a 10-game winning streak was quickly shattered on the field, as they were handed a comprehensive defeat by a dominant Bournemouth side.
The day, however, belonged to Justin Kluivert, who delivered a clinical performance, scoring a brilliant hat-trick to lead his team to victory.
Kluivert Dominates the Score Sheet
While his father, Patrick Kluivert, had netted just once at St. James’ Park during his time at Newcastle, Justin made a memorable impression in the same stadium.
He scored twice before halftime, with a stunning third goal deep into injury time.
His hat-trick made it 3-1, before Milos Kerkez added a fourth, sealing a 4-1 victory for the visitors.
This result starkly highlighted the gulf between the two sides on the day.
Tired Newcastle Struggle Early On
Newcastle, fresh off a midweek victory over Wolves, remained unchanged for the match.
However, it quickly became clear that fatigue had set in for many of the players.
Inside five minutes, the Magpies were caught off guard, and Bournemouth took the lead through a clinical strike from Kluivert.
It was evident that tired legs were going to be Newcastle’s downfall, and the team’s sluggish start had Howe visibly frustrated from the sidelines.
Bournemouth’s Aggression Overpowers Newcastle’s Sluggish Defenders
Bournemouth capitalized on Newcastle’s defensive lapses, especially on the wings, where England full-backs Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall were finding themselves under constant pressure from Antoine Semenyo and David Brooks.
The hosts were slow to react, and while Bruno Guimaraes did manage to equalize with a header in the 25th minute, Newcastle’s fortunes didn’t improve.
They struggled to hold possession and make meaningful attacks, with several giveaways deep in their own half, including one just before halftime that led to Kluivert’s second goal.
A Third Goal and Final Blow for Newcastle
After the break, Kluivert added a third with a spectacular strike from 25 yards, leaving Newcastle with little to offer in response.
Eddie Howe’s side, who had been so solid in previous games, faltered in the final moments.
In the 89th minute, a poorly executed free-kick allowed Bournemouth to pounce once more.
Kluivert found Kerkez, who slotted home a fourth, completing a miserable afternoon for the Magpies.
Howe was left holding his head in his hands, reflecting the frustration felt by the home crowd.
Match Summary
Newcastle were simply not at their best, and it was a day that exposed their vulnerabilities.
The 4-1 scoreline was a fair reflection of the difference between the teams, with Kluivert’s heroics overshadowing an otherwise disappointing performance from Newcastle.
The defeat ends their hopes of a ten-game winning streak, leaving them with much to reflect on ahead of their next match.
Lineups
Newcastle: Dubravka, Livramento, Botman (Schar 46′), Burn, Hall (Trippier 66′), Bruno Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton, Murphy (Willock 66′), Isak, Gordon
Bournemouth: Kepa, Cook, Zabarnyi, Huiksen, Kerkez, Adams, Christie, Brooks (Jebbison 82′), Kluivert, Semenyo, Outtara
Scorers: Newcastle: Bruno Guimaraes (25′)
Bournemouth: Justin Kluivert (6′, 44′, 90+2′), Milos Kerkez (90+6)
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