Another away match, another goalless draw. For Newcastle United, this is becoming a familiar and somewhat frustrating pattern in the early stages of the season.
Their trip to the south coast to face a confident AFC Bournemouth side ended in a 0-0 stalemate, the third time already this campaign that they have shared the points without scoring or conceding on their travels.
While a clean sheet away from home is always a positive foundation, the overwhelming feeling after the final whistle was one of a missed opportunity, with the team struggling to create any meaningful attacking momentum.
Manager Eddie Howe made a bold decision to rotate his squad heavily following the emotional and physical drain of the midweek Champions League defeat to Barcelona.
In total, he made seven changes to the starting lineup. Captain Bruno Guimaraes was given a well-earned rest on the bench, alongside other key figures like Kieran Trippier, Joelinton, Harvey Barnes, and Anthony Elanga.
They joined the already absent Fabian Schar, who was ruled out with a head injury, and the suspended Anthony Gordon.
This opened the door for several players to make their first starts of the season, including new signing Malick Thiaw, Lewis Hall, Joe Willock, and Lewis Miley.
The story of the game was one of defensive solidity undermined by attacking impotence. Bournemouth had the ball in the net in the 15th minute through David Brooks, but the offside flag provided an early let-off for Newcastle.
The Magpies’ best chance of the game came early in the second half when record signing Nick Woltemade went down in the penalty area under a clear shirt pull from Bournemouth defender Bafode Diakite.
The referee waved away the appeals, and after a brief check, the VAR officials saw no reason to overturn the decision, much to the frustration of the traveling supporters.
In terms of individual performances, the ratings tell the story of a team that was organized at the back but lacked ideas going forward.
Goalkeeper Nick Pope was once again excellent, earning a 7/10 for his crucial saves. He stuck out a leg to deny Tyler Adams in the first half and produced a superb stop low to his left in stoppage time to keep out a Justin Kluivert free-kick, securing his fourth clean sheet in five league games.
The defensive unit was largely impressive. Making his full Premier League debut, Malick Thiaw looked confident and composed, earning a 7/10 for a display that suggested he will be a valuable asset.
Alongside him, Sven Botman was equally assured, also receiving a 7/10 for a calm and collected performance over the ninety minutes.
The wing-backs had more mixed afternoons. Tino Livramento was solid defensively but offered little in the final third, while Lewis Hall, making his first start since February, looked rusty initially but grew into the game with a couple of important tackles.
In midfield, the energy of Sandro Tonali stood out. As one of only four players to keep their place from the Barcelona game, he was tireless in his work, covering every blade of grass and earning a 7.5/10.
Alongside him, the young Lewis Miley saw plenty of the ball but often chose the safe pass, failing to provide the creative spark the team needed.
Joe Willock, in his first start of the season, struggled to make an impact and was easily outmuscled on several occasions.
The attacking players found it difficult to make their mark. Jacob Murphy posed a occasional threat down the right wing and had Newcastle’s first shot on target, but his final product was often lacking.
Up front, Nick Woltemade showed some neat link-up play but became increasingly frustrated as the game wore on. The denied penalty appeal seemed to affect his confidence, and his performance level dipped afterwards.
The substitutes, Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga, were introduced to try and change the game but found it equally difficult to break down a resolute Bournemouth defense.
In the end, a point on the road is not a disaster, especially against a team that had won its previous two home games. The defensive record remains outstanding.
However, the inability to create clear chances or score goals away from St James’ Park is a trend that must be reversed quickly if the team is to achieve its ambitions for the season.
The team returns home with a clean sheet but also with plenty to work on before the next challenge.
