Howe Holds Firm: Newcastle Grind Out Draw at Bournemouth
Newcastle United showed a more cautious side of themselves as they earned a goalless draw at Bournemouth, three days after a tough European night against Barcelona. For Eddie Howe, back at the ground where he built his reputation, it was far from spectacular – but it was smart.
Rotation and resilience
Howe made six changes to keep his squad fresh, with Nick Woltemade starting up front as Anthony Gordon served the final game of his suspension. Newcastle also switched to a back five, sitting deep to soak up pressure and frustrate the home side.
Bournemouth, flying high under Andoni Iraola, tried to break through with clever wing play. Tyler Adams tested Nick Pope with a sharp strike after a neat David Brooks back-heel, while Brooks himself had the ball in the net only for the flag to go up.
Murphy sparks life
Jacob Murphy, who had been on the bench in midweek, was Newcastle’s brightest outlet. He nearly broke the deadlock after linking up with Woltemade and Sandro Tonali, only to be denied by Djordje Petrovic. Both teams traded half-chances but neither could find the killer touch before half-time.
Woltemade battles, fans roar
In the second half, Woltemade started to impose himself. He looked to turn Tino Livramento’s cross into something more, but his appeals for a penalty after a shirt pull were waved away. Bournemouth fans seemed to enjoy teasing him, cheering every lost duel or heavy touch after his goalscoring debut the week before.
Howe responded with fresh legs, sending on Anthony Elanga and Harvey Barnes in search of a breakthrough. But Bournemouth’s defenders stood tall, matching Woltemade in the air and keeping Newcastle’s threat limited.
Late drama denied
Iraola rolled the dice too, introducing Justin Kluivert, who had tormented Newcastle in this fixture last season. The Dutchman nearly stole the headlines in stoppage time with a powerful free-kick, but Pope’s strong save kept the score at 0–0.
Howe’s return to Bournemouth may not have delivered a victory, but after a draining week, this disciplined point showed Newcastle’s intent to manage the long season wisely. Next up: a Carabao Cup clash with Bradford as the Magpies look to defend their trophy.
