Justin Kluivert stole the spotlight at St. James’ Park, delivering a sensational hat-trick as Bournemouth thrashed Newcastle United 4-1, halting the Magpies’ nine-match winning run and extending the Cherries’ unbeaten Premier League streak to an impressive 10 games.
Newcastle, poised to set a club record of 10 consecutive victories across all competitions, struggled to find their rhythm. Hopes of cementing their top-four status were dashed by a relentless Bournemouth side that outclassed them in every department.
Bournemouth’s bright start paid off in the sixth minute when Kluivert calmly slotted Antoine Semenyo’s cutback into the far corner, giving the visitors a deserved lead. Newcastle responded in the 25th minute, with Bruno Guimaraes heading in Lewis Hall’s corner past a flailing Kepa Arrizabalaga, who couldn’t keep the effort out despite getting a hand to it.
The Cherries regained their advantage just before half-time as Guimaraes, under pressure, lost possession outside his box, allowing Kluivert to slot home a composed finish for his second of the afternoon.
VAR drama unfolded after the hour mark when Dango Ouattara tapped in from close range, only for the goal to be disallowed as the ball had crossed the line moments earlier. Bournemouth remained undeterred, with David Brooks denied by a brilliant Martin Dubravka save.
Kluivert completed his hat-trick in emphatic style, pouncing on a poor pass from Anthony Gordon and rifling a thunderous strike into the far corner. The Dutch forward, son of former Newcastle striker Patrick Kluivert, notched his second treble of the season, taking his league tally to 10.
Milos Kerkez compounded Newcastle’s misery with a fierce left-footed strike in stoppage time, sparking wild celebrations among the 1,700 traveling Bournemouth fans.
A Tactical Triumph and Newcastle’s Struggles
Bournemouth’s triumph marked a tactical masterclass by Andoni Iraola, whose side capitalized on Newcastle’s defensive lapses and dominated proceedings. Despite their injury woes, the Cherries showcased depth and resilience, making their longest Premier League unbeaten run a milestone victory.
For Eddie Howe’s Newcastle, it was a sobering return to reality. Alexander Isak, in blistering form with nine consecutive goals, failed to make an impact, registering no shots from open play. Sloppy giveaways and misplaced passes, particularly from Gordon, proved costly.
The Magpies’ frustration boiled over when Joelinton’s rash challenge on Kluivert earned a yellow card in first-half stoppage time, epitomizing their frazzled composure.
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This defeat marks only the second time Newcastle have lost a Premier League home match by three or more goals under Howe. With Bournemouth now just a point behind in the league table, the battle for top-four supremacy is far from over.