Bournemouth defeat Newcastle 2-1 to dent Magpies’ European hopes
Bournemouth extended their unbeaten Premier League run to 13 games with a 2-1 victory over Newcastle United at St James’ Park, dealing a severe blow to the hosts’ European qualification hopes.
Adrien Truffert secured all three points for the visitors with a dramatic 85th-minute strike.
The late winner compounded a miserable afternoon for Eddie Howe’s side following their recent successive defeats to Sunderland and Crystal Palace.
Iraola’s farewell tour gathers momentum
The Cherries showed no signs of distraction after manager Andoni Iraola announced earlier this week that he will leave the club at the end of the season.
His high-pressing team dominated the early exchanges and deservedly took the lead just after the half-hour mark.
Marcus Tavernier silenced the home crowd by tapping in a precise pass from Rayan to cap off a dominant spell.
The visitors could have doubled their advantage shortly after, but Evanilson failed to convert an excellent delivery from Alex Scott.
VAR intervention and injury concerns
Newcastle desperately needed inspiration and found it when club captain Bruno Guimaraes returned from a two-month injury absence as a second-half substitute.
The Brazilian’s introduction immediately lifted the atmosphere, and the Tyneside outfit drew level in the 68th minute through Will Osula.
Although the assistant referee initially raised the offside flag, VAR intervened to award the goal after replays showed Bournemouth’s Evanilson took the final touch in the build-up.
However, the momentum shifted again when Tino Livramento was forced off with a suspected groin injury.
The defender’s premature exit raises serious concerns about his availability for the remainder of the domestic campaign and England’s upcoming World Cup squad.
Truffert delivers the final blow
With the home side reorganising defensively, Bournemouth ruthlessly capitalised in the dying moments of the match.
Truffert initiated a sweeping counter-attack before arriving in the penalty area to emphatically finish an exchange involving Tavernier and Evanilson.
The result leaves Newcastle slipping further away from the European qualification places as their inability to close out matches continues to haunt them.
