Eddie Howe’s much-changed Newcastle United collected another scoreless away draw, this one at impressive Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Sunday.
The Magpies boss made seven changes from the team that battled Barcelona in the Champions League at midweek, switching his formation to a back three and playing to counter the Cherries.
WATCH — Bournemouth vs Newcastle United full match replay
Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth were very good in the game but could not find their way through Newcastle, settling for a point in their brilliant early season.
Bournemouth sit third with 10 points and will finish the weekend no lower than fourth depending on whether Arsenal get a positive result versus Man City.
Newcastle draw for the third time this season — all scoreless affairs — and sit 13th with six points.
Pragmatic Magpies give impressive Bournemouth their flowers
Eddie Howe clearly needs to rest his most impressive starters and they happen to come from his shallowest position — central midfield. But the fact that he chose to flip his entire formation on Sunday in order to do so shows just how respected Andoni Iraola had made this Bournemouth team. Howe knew he’d be asking Sandro Tonali to tax his legs and did not pretend the deputies for Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes would be able to suitably keep things in a 4-3-3 to beat the Cherries.
Bournemouth’s press was sensational, especially in the midfield, and it is not crazy to consider Bournemouth capable of competing for a place in Europe next season. What Iraola has done in already constructing an impressive back line after selling defenders to Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain is so incredibly impressive. If either Amine Adli or Ben Doak can find their footing soon, this could be a special, special season that keeps the Cherries competing with old pal Howe’s current club.
What’s next?
Bournemouth go to Leeds United at 10am ET Saturday.
Newcastle host Bradford City on Wednesday in the League Cup third round, then return to Premier League play when Arsenal visit St. James’ Park at 11:30am Sunday.
How to watch Bournemouth vs Newcastle live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 9am ET Sunday
Venue: Vitality Stadium — Boscombe
TV Channel: USA
Streaming: Stream online via NBC.com
Bournemouth vs Newcastle live updates, final score: 0-0
Newcastle subs
Malick Thiaw is off after dodging a second yellow, with Jamaal Lascelles taking his place.
William Osula takes the place of Nick Woltemade after the record signing’s longest run for Newcastle.
Bournemouth sub
Bournemouth bring on exciting Amine Adli for Marcus Tavernier in the 75th minute.
Tactical stalemate incoming? Newcastle corner
Harvey Barnes dances toward the goal line but James Hill slides to limit the damage to a corner.
It’s going to take a “Moment of Magic” here, where Iraola and old Bournemouth legend Howe have concocted two solid plans that have limited danger.
Subs
Newcastle remove Joe Willock and Jacob Murphy for Anthony Elanga and Harvey Barnes.
Bournemouth take off Alex Scott and David Brooks for Ryan Christie and Justin Kluivert.
0-0, 63'
Woltemade penalty shout unheeded
Diakite has a handful Woltemade’s long-sleeved jersey as the German tries to collect Livramento’s cross.
Woltemade eventually hits the deck and VAR says it’s “too theatrical.”
One sub
James Hill replaces Real Madrid loanee Alex Jimenez at the break.
Halftime — Bournemouth 0-0 Newcastle United
The ball is in Eddie Howe’s court. He had to rotate players after the Champions League midweek but there’s unfamiliarity in the team and back three formation.
Was the plan to get to half or the hour mark and then go to a back four with Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Harvey Barnes, and Anthony Elanga joining the fray?’
Bournemouth look great. Tyler Adams, Alex Scott, Marcos Senesi, and Bafode Diakite are controlling the heart of their team, as Andoni Iraola has already found a terrific unit after the exits of Milos Kerkez, Illia Zabarnyi, and Dean Huijsen this summer.
Bournemouth’s press is excellent
This could be aided in part by the seven changes to Newcastle’s lineup, with multiple players getting their firs extended runs together of the season, but the Cherries’ press from the midfield up has been so good and together.
Magpies produce chance
At the other end, it’s Jacob Murphy forcing a save out of ex-New England keeper Djordje Petrovic.
A good development after it was all Bournemouth to start the affair.
Nick Pope denies USMNT international
A nice little move from David Brooks on the right leads to a strong rip from Tyler Adams.
Nick Pope gets a firm leg on it and gets the ball away.
Real Madrid loanee Alex Jimenez now tests the Newcastle back line but Sven Botman puts in a block.
0-0, 10'.
Newcastle swing seven changes
Newcastle appear to be deploying a back five out of possession, with four midfielders ahead and Nick Woltemade up top.
Bournemouth lineup
Petrovic, Truffert, Senesi, Diakite, Jimenez, Adams, Scott, Brooks, Tavernier, Semenyo, Evanilson
Newcastle lineup
Pope, Hall, Botman, Thiaw, Burn, Livramento, Tonali, Miley, Willock, Murphy, Woltemade
Bournemouth vs Newcastle preview
The Cherries have won three-of-four Premier League matches to start the season, and their fixture list has been no easy ride with a loss to Liverpool and wins over Spurs and Brighton amongst the results.
Newcastle’s league slate has been a little friendlier but the results less fun. The Magpies lost to Liverpool and drew Aston Villa and Leeds before beating Wolves in Week 4.
A midweek UEFA Champions League home match with Barcelona finished 2-1 to the visiting Blaugranas will test Newcastle’s depth.
Bournemouth team news, focus
OUT: Adam Smith (thigh), Enes Unal (knee) | QUESTIONABLE: Bafode Diakite (soreness)
Newcastle United team news, focus
OUT: Jacob Ramsey (foot), Yoane Wissa (knee), Anthony Gordon (suspension), Fabian Schar (concussion) | QUESTIONABLE: Kieran Trippier (unspecified)
Bournemouth vs Newcastle prediction
Both teams have been strong in open play, but Bournemouth’s fresh legs seem likely to be just as useful as their home ground. Newcastle will have a lot of work to do and have depth in attack and at the back, but the midfield is their strength and both Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes went 90 minutes versus Barca. This could get scrappy, but there’s also the potential for fun. Newcastle will do well to get a point here at Eddie Howe’s old home.... and they just may do well. Bournemouth 1-1 Newcastle United.
