Dominic Solanke double downs Newcastle as Bournemouth climb out of bottom three
Dominic Solanke, centre, scored both goals as Bournemouth sealed successive home wins (Andrew Matthews/PA)
Eddie Howe’s return to Bournemouth turned into a nightmare after Dominic Solanke’s double condemned Newcastle to a 2-0 defeat.
Howe, who was the Cherries manager the last time they beat Newcastle in 2017, saw his side’s seven-match unbeaten Premier League run end and their injury crisis deepen.
The Magpies were already missing 11 players through injury and suspension after Callum Wilson tweaked a hamstring in the midweek defeat at Borussia Dortmund.
They then lost Miguel Almiron to what looked like another hamstring problem midway through the first half.
The long casualty list meant a first Premier League start for 17-year-old Lewis Miley in central midfield.
Such are Newcastle’s lack of options they ended the match with Ben Parkinson, an 18-year-old who had never previously made a first-team appearance, playing alone in attack.
It was therefore little surprise to see Bournemouth dominate the match, although they had to wait for an hour before Solanke finally made the breakthrough.
Miguel Almiron added to Newcastle’s injury crisis (Andrew Matthews/PA)
Just 40 seconds had elapsed when Ryan Christie, who signed a new Cherries contract this week, tested Nick Pope with a drive from the edge of the area.
It set the tone for the evening and moments later Antoine Semenyo burst through and forced as fine save from the Toon keeper, down low to his left.
Bournemouth welcomed back Brazilian keeper Neto after a spell out injured and he had to be on his toes to tip over Sean Longstaff’s 20-yard shot from Newcastle’s only real attack.
Solanke should have given the hosts the lead after he raced on to Semenyo’s ball over the top,
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