AFC Bournemouth arrived on Tyneside on a 12-game unbeaten run with Newcastle in dire need of three points
17:16, 18 Apr 2026Updated 17:17, 18 Apr 2026
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe(Image: Getty Images)
The boos rang out at St James’ Park as Newcastle United’s European dream took another major dent against AFC Bournemouth.
Once again, Eddie Howe looked haunted as the final whistle sounded with Toon chiefs David Hopkinson and Ross Wilson looking down from the stands. Howe had enjoyed backing from fans throughout this clash, but after conceding a goal in each half, some supporters left long before the end.
The crowd also chanted Nick Woltemade’s name in the second half as they pleaded with Howe to bring on the £69million summer signing, but he was afforded just four minutes plus stoppage time.
The Cherries won a corner in the third minute, but Newcastle cleared their lines on a sunny afternoon at St James’ Park. But it was the Magpies who created the first real opening of the game as William Osula attacked down the right before making a couple of stepovers and picking out Harvey Barnes, but the ex-Leicester star rolled it wide of the target at the Leazes End.
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Bournemouth looked good in possession but on 10 minutes a chance for Ryan Christie was blazed over from long range. Barnes won a corner with 14 minutes on the clock after his shot was blocked by a Bournemouth defender, but the resultant set-piece only allowed the visitors to break and force a corner of their own.
And while it came to nothing for Bournemouth, the fact that nobody met Sandro Tonali’s cross was hardly a great advert for Newcastle’s set-piece department. With 19 minutes played Marcus Tavernier got free down the left but his shot hit the side netting after pressure by Tino Livramento.
The game reached the mid-way point locked at 0-0 with Bournemouth edging possession on 56%. Bournemouth carved Newcastle open in 27 minutes when Evanlison slipped the ball to Rayan, but his side-footed effort went inches wide.
Five minutes later though Bournemouth made no mistake as Rayan skipped past Lewis Hall and put in an inviting low cross that was swept home by Tavernier from close range. James Hill rolled the ball to Rayan down the right before the Brazilian youngster was afforded six touches to set up Tavernier.
It was a 10-pass move that Newcastle did not get any where close to stopping with serious questions being asked in the stands.
It was a setback for Newcastle but not something that wasn’t on the cards after a flat start to the game and no shots on target for Howe’s men. The Cherries almost doubled their lead after another switch off from Newcastle as Alex Scott crossed and Evanilson was inches away from netting.
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After Barnes was fouled by Alex Jimenez, Newcastle were awarded a free-kick on the left just before half-time. Hall’s delivery was a good one and forced Dorde Petrovic into his first real save – but only because Scott almost scored an own goal.
The truth was nobody in a black and white shirt managed to get on the end of it again, another worrying sign. The Magpies went in at the break a goal down with ex-England man Kieran Trippier immediately told to get warmed up.
Trippier emerged for the second half and replaced Hall after he’d suffered a torrid time with Rayan. The move saw Tino Livramento moved to left-back and Trippier in his usual right-sided position.
Tavernier went into the book on 55 minutes for a bad foul as Bournemouth stamped their authority on the game. The call for Captain Bruno came on the hour mark with Newcastle in need of a boost and the Cherries threatening number two.
Bruno was joined by Jacob Murphy with both Jacob Ramsey and Anthony Elanga going off after failing to make an impact. Bournemouth made a change when Christie went off and was replaced by Tyler Adams.
Newcastle levelled the game up when Evanilson played the ball to the feet of William Osula before he ran on and scored his second goal in as many game. There was a lengthy review after Bruno was adjudged to have played a pass forward but after a second scan by VAR, it was given.
Newcastle United’s Will Osula scores against Bournemouth(Image: Getty Images)
With 17 minutes left, Livramento was forced off with an injury and replaced by Dan Burn. Sven Botman was booked for a foul on Evanlison as Bournemouth threatened to regain the lead but Newcastle soaked up the pressure.
Rayan went off for Ben Gannon-Doak with 12 minutes to go as the game entered the final stages. Jacob Murphy was presented with a chance on 79 minutes but curled high and wide at the Gallowgate End.
Murphy ended up in the book after shoving Marcos Senesi over near the halfway line, but the Bournemouth man followed him soon after, following a brutal challenge near the touchline.
Bournemouth regained the lead with five minutes left as a run by Adrien Truffert opened the Magpies up down the left. The ball rolled to Tavernier, who hung up a cross to the back post for Evanilson to nod down before the unmarked Truffert rifled it high into the roof of the net.
That was the cue for wild celebrations on the Bournemouth bench as players and staff went wild. Howe then introduced Woltemade for the final four minutes plus stoppage time, but by that time, some supporters were already heading home.
Fourth official Bobby Madley displayed nine minutes of stoppage time, and three minutes into the extra period, Bruno forced a fine save from Petrovic, who blocked with his feet. From the resultant corner Burn headed over as Newcastle pressed for an equaliser.
But Bournemouth held on for three points and the boos rang out at St James’ Park for the second home game running.
Referee: Tom Bramall (Sheffield)]
Attendance: 52,109