FIVE Things we learned vs Newcastle United
It was another frustrating afternoon for Marco Rose as his search for a first win as AFC Bournemouth manager continued with a draw at St James’ Park. Here are five things we learned from the longest Premier League away day of the season for the Cherries:
1. Worrying trends continue…
As much as it might not feel like it due to the incredible end to the season, AFC Bournemouth were no strangers to throwing away leads last campaign, with a total of 22 points dropped from winning positions under then-manager Andoni Iraola. Marco Rose has taken over, and if games ended in the 84th minute then his side would have a 100% record to start the season – but instead they only have two points. Dropping seven points already when leading has been incredibly frustrating to see, and if the team aren’t able to get over the line soon, then you fear there could be a big mentality problem. Once again a poor goal was conceded in the second phase of a set-piece, and once again the game should already have been out of sight before then. No one wants to repeat themselves every week, but with the pattern of the game becoming incredibly apparent, I don’t think any real AFC Bournemouth fan was surprised to see the hosts equalise.
2. More praise is deserved for the first 35 minutes
From minutes 1-35, I don’t think Marco Rose could have asked for a better away performance. St James’ Park is a very tough place to go, and if you don’t start well then the home crowd can play a big part in energising their players. But Rose’s side went out there and controlled the game from the off, stifling Newcastle with a very effective press, causing a number of turnovers which created plentiful attacking opportunities. Everyone remembers the famous 4-1 dismantling of the Geordies, similarly at 12:30PM, live on TNT Sports and at St James’, and I truly believe that first 35 minutes matched that performance. It was true domination, but unfortunately the hosts’ one shot on target of the half was from Harvey Barnes, his sensational curling effort just 27 seconds after kick-off from AFCB’s second goal cutting the deficit back to one. After that, the Cherries never really got going again.
3. Criticism can be justified, but calm + perspective is needed
Football fans are entitled to say whatever they want, and people can agree/disagree how they see fit. That’s the beauty of the game (or so they say). Personally, the way I see it, there has been some very over the top reactions from fans, incredibly some even calling for Rose to be sacked! Who knows what will happen in the future – but no one wins the league after three games, and certainly no one gets relegated either. Let’s not forget how badly we started under Andoni after his appointment, or how well we started the season when we got relegated in 2019/20. There is no doubt that much needs to be done in terms of game management to get over the line, and about out set-piece struggles. We will find ourselves in a dangerous position if we don’t tidy these up – but they are wholly fixable problems, and it might take just one win to see us fly. People have questioned Rose’s substitutions, and that would probably be the fairest criticism of him in my opinion, but he will be learning all the time as well. There have been so, so many positives from our performances so far, and it would be silly to just bypass them.
4. Junior Kroupi has (under the radar) been a big miss
With all the talk about squad depth and substiutions, I have hardly seen the name Junior Kroupi mentioned. I truly believe that, whenever he is ready to return (hopefully in the not-too-distant future given his inclusion in the Europa League squad), he will massively elevate this squad, like he did last season. Justin Kluivert had a great first half, but found himself more of a bystander in the second, with no natural ‘10’ to replace him either. Kroupi might not be a natural ‘10’, but what I do expect is that when he does come back is that he will start to put away some of the chances that have been missed by our front line. There is no doubt that Rose has got his team playing some really nice football, and going forward we have looked a very good threat, but even still we are missing one of the best young footballers in the world. Kroupi scored some vital goals last season, and has the qualities to help fix some of the early problems under Rose.
5. Someone tell Marcus Tavernier he’s playing at SJP every week
Marcus Tavernier was released by Newcastle as a youngster, and continues to prove them wrong when given the opportunity. Tavernier has now bagged three goals in three games at St James’ Park, as well as a goal against them in the 2024/25 season at home. That’s already two goals in three games this season for the winger, who has looked lively throughout, and will hopefully look to beat his seasonal best of seven Premier League goals. It might do us no harm to tell him that every game is at SJP… but there is no better sight than his baseball (not golf) swing after a goal. AFCB’s most under-appreciated asset?
Here’s hoping Rose’s side will break the cycle of not holding onto leads this Tuesday against Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup, and look to build from there.
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