Bournemouth halt Newcastle winning run in 4-1 thrashing at St James’

Newcastle’s winning run was halted by a Justin Kluivert hat-trick as Bournemouth thrashed Eddie Howe’s side 4-1 at St James’ Park on Saturday.

Newcastle had won each of their last nine games in all competitions and were searching for a history-making 10th, which got halted by a buoyant
Bournemouth.

Kluivert’s first-half double put Bournemouth in a commanding position, sweeping home Antoine Semenyo’s low cross in the seventh minute before Dango Ouattara fed the Dutchman for his second just before half-time.

Sandwiched between was a Bruno Guimaraes header that flew through a crowd of players and squirmed beyond Kepa but the Magpies were disappointingly second best on another agonising afternoon for Howe against his former club.

Things went from bad to worse in the second period, as Newcastle failed to recover any composure and star man Alexander Isak looked as isolated as he has all season – his eight-game scoring run reaching an abrupt end.

Kluivert sealed a wonderful hat-trick in second-half stoppage time – his second of the season after a trio of penalties at Wolves in November – while a stunner from Milos Kerkez ensured Andoni Iraola’s ever-improving Cherries cantered to a crushing victory.

The Cherries, firmly in the hunt for a European place, have temporarily leapfrogged Manchester City in the Premier League table and are level on 37 points with Chelsea following an all-action display that stunned Newcastle into submission.

Kluivert sealed a wonderful hat-trick in second-half stoppage time – his second of the season after a trio of penalties at Wolves in November – while a stunner from Milos Kerkez ensured Andoni Iraola’s ever-improving Cherries cantered to a crushing victory.

With three goals and an assist, Kluivert became the first player to be involved in four goals in a single Premier League game for Bournemouth.

For all the pre-match chatter about Isak and his devastating form, it was the Dutchman who towered above the rest, emulating his famous father Patrick’s knack for ruthless finishing.

Each strike was full of poise and panache, with three of his four touches in the opposition box hitting the back of the net.

“We were beaten by the better team. Disappointed from the start really. I thought physically we didn’t look anywhere near our best levels today.

“The game in midweek and the run of games we had previously just caught up with us. We didn’t look like we had that bounce in our step that we normally have and we didn’t perform.

“That yard of pace that we normally have in our own game wasn’t there,” Eddie Howe, Newcastle manager said.

However, Andoni Iraola, Bournemouth manager, said the team played like they did not want to lose their identity.
“Very proud of my players. I think we played a very complete game. We started very strong.

“We decided to play like we normally do. I think every player that has played today has done his part and extra. I feel very happy for them. To be part of this win and the way we won, I think it’s going to be unforgettable for us,” Iraola said.