AFC Bournemouth hosted Newcastle United at Dean Court in an intriguing clash between two mid-table sides aiming to push on in the second half of the Premier League season. Bournemouth were hoping to get back to winning ways after a disappointing defeat to Brighton last time out, whilst Newcastle were also searching for consistency after an up-and-down campaign so far under Rafael Benitez.
In a tightly contested first half where chances were at a premium, both sides cancelled each other out through an effective pressing game. However, the home side began to take a stranglehold as the interval approached. Josh King forced a smart stop from Martin Dubravka with a well-struck half volley from the edge of the box, before David Brooks tested the Newcastle keeper again shortly after with a low drive which was well held.
The Cherries pressure told just before the break as Callum Wilson was on hand to bundle the ball home from close range after Ryan Fraser's cross had been palmed into his path by Dubravka 聾. It was a scrappy finish but the striker, who returned to the side after injury, will not care one bit how they go in.
Bournemouth started the second period on the front foot looking to get a cushion of a second goal. They went close when Nathan Ake met a corner with a firm header that was clawed away by Dubravka. Newcastle struggled to get a foothold in the game and offered little in attack. Benitez threw on the attacking options of Ayoze Perez and Joselu in search of an equalizer.
However, it was the hosts who came closest to scoring again. A sweeping move saw Brooks play in substitute David Brooks, but with just the keeper to beat he sliced horribly wide with the goal gaping. In the end, Bournemouth had done enough to claim the points thanks to Wilson's crucial first half strike. Eddie Howe's team moves above the Magpies in the Premier League table with an ultimately professional performance 🏟️.
The match ended 1-0 to AFC Bournemouth. Howe will be hoping his side can build momentum from the victory as they look to consolidate a top half finish. As for Benitez, Newcastle remain in mid-table but will need to find more attacking impetus if they want to push on during the second part of the campaign. Both clubs now turn their attention to FA Cup replays in the week before returning to league action. - https://mbscore.tv/match/notts-county-vs-bradford-city-18847730