The Premier League’s most in-form side were halted by a hat-trick of brilliant goals from Justin Kluivert as sloppy Newcastle fell to a 4-1 loss against Bournemouth at St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe’s side had won each of their last nine games in all competitions and were searching for a history-making 10th but were unfortunate to meet a Bournemouth team in an equally buoyant mood.
The Cherries, firmly in the hunt for a European place, have temporarily leapfrogged Manchester City in the Premier League table and are level on 37 points with Chelsea following an all-action display that stunned Newcastle into submission.
Only Mohamed Salah (11) has scored more Premier League goals away from home this season than Kluivert (9)
Kluivert’s first-half double – only Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (11) has scored more goals away from home this season – put Bournemouth in a commanding position, sweeping home Antoine Semenyo’s low cross in the seventh minute before Dango Ouattara fed the Dutchman for his second just before half-time.
Sandwiched between was a Bruno Guimaraes header that flew through a crowd of players and squirmed beyond Kepa but the Magpies were disappointingly second best on another agonising afternoon for Howe against his former club.
Newcastle missed the chance to move into third in the Premier League table
Things went from bad to worse in the second period, as Newcastle failed to recover any composure and star man Alexander Isak looked as isolated as he has all season – his eight-game scoring run reaching an abrupt end.
Kluivert sealed a wonderful hat-trick in second-half stoppage time – his second of the season after a trio of penalties at Wolves in November – while a stunner from Milos Kerkez ensured Andoni Iraola’s ever-improving Cherries cantered to a crushing victory.
Player of the match: Justin Kluivert
Kluivert is the seventh player to score multiple hat-tricks away from in a single Premier League season
With three goals and an assist, Kluivert became the first player to be involved in four goals in a single Premier League game for Bournemouth.
For all the pre-match chatter about Isak and his devastating form, it was the Dutchman who towered above the rest, emulating his father Patrick’s knack for ruthless finishing.
Each strike was full of poise and panache, with three of his four touches in the opposition box hitting the back of the net.
Howe accepts Newcastle off the pace
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe:
“We were beaten by the better team. Disappointed from the start really. I thought physically we didn’t look anywhere near our best levels today.
“The game in midweek and the run of games we had previously just caught up with us. We didn’t look like we had that bounce in our step that we normally have and we didn’t perform.
“That yard of pace that we normally have in our own game wasn’t there.”
Iraola lauds ‘unforgettable’ win
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola:
“Very proud of my players. I think we played a very complete game. We started very strong. We didn’t want to lose a little bit of our identity, even if we knew the difficult circumstances with the bench players.
“We decided to play like we normally do. I think every player that has played today has done his part and extra. I feel very happy for them. To be part of this win and the way we won, I think it’s going to be unforgettable for us.”
