Worse than Isak: Howe must ditch 54-touch Newcastle dud who lost possession 11x

Newcastle United suffered their first loss of 2025 as AFC Bournemouth delivered a dominant 4-1 victory at St. James’ Park, ending the Magpies’ nine-match winning streak. This shocking defeat could see Eddie Howe’s team slip out of the Premier League’s top four depending on other results, leaving fans and analysts questioning the team’s performance on the day.

The match highlighted Newcastle’s struggles across the pitch, with Bournemouth’s Justin Kluivert stealing the show. His two first-half goals gave the visitors a commanding lead, and he completed his hat-trick late in the game before Milos Kerkez sealed the victory with a fourth goal.

Newcastle’s usually reliable players, including Alexander Isak and Valentino Livramento, failed to rise to the occasion, contributing to the home side’s dismal performance.

Alexander Isak’s Performance

Before this match, Alexander Isak had been in sensational form, scoring in eight consecutive Premier League games against teams like Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Liverpool. However, his performance against Bournemouth was a stark contrast to his recent displays.

Isak failed to register a single shot during the 90 minutes, either on or off target, and completed just 18 passes. Winning only three of his seven ground duels and losing possession 11 times further underscored an uncharacteristically lackluster performance. Eddie Howe would have expected more from his star forward, but like the rest of the team, Isak seemed off the pace throughout the match.

Valentino Livramento’s Struggles

Valentino Livramento also had a challenging afternoon. Initially deployed as a right-back, Livramento later switched to the left flank after Lewis Hall’s substitution but struggled to handle Bournemouth’s vibrant attack from both sides.

Livramento’s defensive efforts fell short, as he was dribbled past three times and won just one aerial duel. Offensively, his contributions were equally disappointing, with none of his three attempted crosses finding a target. He also failed to make a key pass or create any notable chances, leaving Howe with a decision to make about his place in the starting lineup.

Key Statistics from the Match

These numbers highlight Bournemouth’s dominance in crucial areas of the game, with players like Ryan Christie and David Brooks excelling in both defensive and attacking roles. In contrast, Newcastle’s lack of composure and creativity across the pitch proved costly.

Potential Changes for Newcastle

The heavy defeat raises questions about Howe’s team selection and tactics. Valentino Livramento’s struggles might open the door for Kieran Trippier to return to the starting XI. Despite limited appearances this season, Trippier has maintained a strong record, with a 50% dribble success rate, 86% pass accuracy, and an average of 2.3 ball recoveries per game.

Howe will need to make adjustments ahead of their next match against Southampton to restore confidence and prevent further setbacks. Livramento’s place in the lineup appears uncertain, with Trippier’s experience and reliability making him a strong candidate for a return.

This loss serves as a stark reminder of the challenges of maintaining consistency in the Premier League. Newcastle must regroup quickly and address the issues exposed by Bournemouth to stay competitive in the race for a top-four finish. For now, the focus will be on learning from this defeat and ensuring a stronger performance in the matches ahead.