Newcastle United recorded a third straight goalless away league draw after a 0–0 result at AFC Bournemouth, leaving Eddie Howe’s side still searching for an attacking spark and already facing an uphill battle from the start of the Premier League season.
Howe made seven changes from the midweek defeat to Barcelona, resting senior players and handing starts to Joe Willock, Lewis Miley, and Malick Thiaw, perhaps getting too comfortable for the occasion.
The reshuffle made Newcastle solid at the back, but the offensive output was once again minimal, at best. The only Magpies’ shot on target came from Jacob Murphy in the 11th minute, while Nick Woltemade was isolated up front and often crowded out by Bournemouth’s defenders.
The hosts thought they had taken the lead when David Brooks finished from close range in the 15th minute, but VAR ruled him offside.
Marcus Tavernier also went close, while Justin Kluivert forced Nick Pope into a late save from a stoppage-time free-kick. For Newcastle, Anthony Elanga and Harvey Barnes were introduced after the break, but neither could do anything to help the Mags.
Thiaw, making his full debut in black and white stripes, was fortunate to avoid a red card after fouling Ryan Christie while already booked, with Howe substituting him soon after, if only as a precautionary measure.
Otherwise, Newcastle’s back line again looked solid, with Pope and Dan Burn ensuring another away clean sheet, but a dreadful lack of goals hurting the lads so bad.
The draw extends Newcastle’s unbeaten away run but also means they remain winless on their travels this season, having failed to score in four straight matches across all competitions.
Newcastle have now kept four clean sheets from five league games, but just three goals scored highlight the imbalance in Howe’s squad since Alexander Isak’s exit and the much-felt absence of his one-for-one replacement in Yoane Wissa, out injured.
For now, Newcastle sit 13th in the Premier League table after five matches, with only one win in all competitions.
Howe’s team now turn their attention to the Carabao Cup, where they host Bradford City on Wednesday before facing Arsenal at St James’ Park in the EPL next Sunday.
