Salomon Rondon struck twice as Newcastle recorded consecutive Premier League wins for the first time since April with victory over Bournemouth at St James’ Park.
Rafa Benitez’s side were winless in their opening 10 games of the season yet the result against the Cherries propels them into a healthier 14th position, giving fans a slight bit of optimism before the international break.
Rondon put the home side ahead after just seven minutes following great work by DeAndre Yedlin, who darted in behind the Bournemouth defence to pick out the waiting Venezuelan. The 29-year-old striker then doubled his side’s advantage as half-time approached, dropping deep to collect the ball before charging into the penalty area to meet Kenedy’s cross with a powerful header.
Bournemouth pulled a goal back through Jefferson Lerma and their tails were up in the second half, as Newcastle tried to contain and counter. Dan Gosling thought he had equalised, but strayed offside as Martin Dubravka clawed away a shot from David Brooks. The result was Bournemouth’s first loss away to Newcastle since February 1990, having won twice and drawn once on their travels to the Geordie’s before today.
Inspired Rondon gives the Magpies all three points
Rondon, on a season-long loan from Championship side West Brom, bullied the Bournemouth defence at times and registered eight shots while also dropping in to create opportunities. His first goal was superbly created by Mo Diame, whose chipped pass, with backspin, found DeAndre Yedlin. His first-time cross picked out Rondon and although his first shot was saved, he managed to prod in the rebound after some good reactions.
His second was sublime, the sort of header that generates so much power, it flies like a missile, as he attacked Kenedy’s cross. Manager Rafael Benitez said on Friday he was confident Rondon would come good, and the forward delivered in style with a true No 9 performance; frustrating centre-backs, holding up play well and taking his chances. A confidence-boosting performance to build on.
Bournemouth look to be without Adam Smith for some time
Adam Smith’s injury before half time halted the Cherries just as they were looking to grow into the contest. Smith appeared to injure his knee as he stuttered in his run-up to take a free-kick, and received oxygen before being stretchered off after a lengthy delay.
The 27-year-old is a key player in Eddie Howe’s side and the defender looked to be in serious bother as he was taken off on the stretcher. The Cherries will assess Smith and the extent to his injury is not yet known but he looks to be set for some time on the sidelines.
Newcastle continue to build on winnable fixtures
The Magpies face Burnley, West Ham, Everton, Wolves, Huddersfield and Fulham in their next six. (*#FPL managers make note*)
While drawing the points board pre season, Rafa and his team would have looked at this set of fixtures as a run where they will hope to get a majority of their points as they creep towards the 35+ point mark. No one expected them to win against the high-flying Watford last time out and this weekends fixture was arguably a tougher test but six points from these two games leaves them in good stead for the favourable run of upcoming fixtures.
Eddie Howe’s men punished for their slow start
Eddie admitted post game that his side allowed the crowd at St James’s to get onto them; “We’re disappointed with the first half in particular – a slow start for us. You know when you come here, that’s going to get the crowd in the game.”
With Rondon opening the scoring on just seven minutes, it was always going to be a difficult afternoon for Howe’s men and despite pulling a good back and look the more likelier of the two sides in the second half, it wasn’t enough and they were forced to pay for their slow beginning.
Summer transfers finding their feet at St James’ Park
Newcastle fans had been left underwhelmed by the impact of seasoned Premier League performer Ki Sung-yueng since his arrival on a free from Swansea, but the South Korea international has burst to life in the past couple of games. He put in another brilliant display against the Cherries on Saturday, with the Magpies hardly missing key man Jonjo Shelvey in midfield. His switch pass in the build-up to Rondon’s second goal was sublime, and that was a feature of his game all day. If Ki keeps up this kind of form then Benitez will have a big decision to make in midfield with three players fighting for two spots.
Fabian Schar was one of Newcastle’s best performers last weekend despite playing just 45 minutes against Watford, and that continued into this weekend after Jamaal Lascelles was ruled out through injury. The 6ft 1in Switzerland international was a rock at the back for the Magpies against the Cherries and showcased his accomplished skill on the ball and passing ability as well.
Opta stats
Newcastle United have won consecutive Premier League games for the first time since April when they won four in a row.
Bournemouth have lost their last two Premier League games having lost just two of their previous 12 (W8 D2 L2).
Newcastle striker Salomón Rondón scored his first Premier League goal in 10 appearances since netting vs Liverpool in April.
What’s next?
Post the international break, Newcastle head to Burnley with Bournemouth hosting the Gunners.
