Newcastle United lost 1-0 at home to Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.
Newcastle United’s Dwight Gayle (R) has a shot blocked by Bournemouth’s Nathan Ake
Newcastle United capped off a torrid week with a 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Bournemouth, with Rafael Benitez’s men conjuring up a real Jekyll and Hyde performance.
The Magpies lost 1-0 at Burnley on Monday night, and fans were hoping for a positive response when they took on Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.
Newcastle were dangerous in the first half, with Matt Ritchie causing mayhem against his former club, as the Scottish winger hit the post and tested Asmir Begovic from range.
Nathan Ake of AFC Bournemouth and Newcastle’s Dwight Gayle in action
Dwight Gayle had a goal incorrectly chalked off for offside, but with Newcastle on top, fans were hoping for a strong second half performance too.
However, Newcastle faded after the break and allowed Bournemouth to gain momentum, with Callum Wilson running clean through on goal only to smash the ball wide, before Marc Pugh hit the post late on.
Bournemouth did though find the winner, as Steve Cook headed home from a corner to give Cherries fans something to smile about on their long journey back to the South Coast – but for Newcastle, it was another frustrating day.
Dwight Gayle of Newcastle United
After struggling offensively against Burnley, manager Benitez decided to start two strikers against Bournemouth, handing a rare start to Dwight Gayle, but fans were split over his performance.
Some felt that Gayle worked hard in attack and offered Newcastle a goal threat, especially when partnered with another striker, as he unfairly had a goal ruled out.
Others weren’t quite so convinced by Gayle’s display, suggesting that his performance summed up why he isn’t cut out for the Premier League, and Newcastle need more dangerous and potent attacking players to make an impression.
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