Eddie Howe confirms he’ll speak to ‘incredible’ Newcastle player about what he did vs Bournemouth

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Newcastle United got lucky to draw at Bournemouth on Sunday.

Indeed, Newcastle were fortunate to have seen a late goal for the Cherries ruled out by a controversial VAR call which would have won the hosts the game.

Still, it was a good show of character from Eddie Howe’s side, who also had to battle adversity against Southampton to claim a big three points.

It may not have been the most electric start to the campaign but four points represents a solid enough platform, particularly after a difficult summer window.

Joelinton was another of those who got reasonably fortunate on the south coast. The midfielder pulled Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto by the neck when stopping a counter and could easily have been sent off.

Speaking after the game, Howe revealed his verdict.

Eddie Howe confirms he’ll speak to Joelinton about incident at Bournemouth

While the Newcastle boss confirmed he understood what the player he recently hailed as “incredible” was trying to do, he admitted Joelinton had perhaps gone too far.

• READ MORE: Who is Joelinton? Age, Height, Chant, Position, Socials and More

“It was probably a bit reckless from Joelinton,” he told BBC Sport.

“You could see what he is trying to do – he’s trying to stop the keeper – but you can’t go near the head area.

“That’s something we will talk to him about.”

Newcastle need reinforcements quickly

Newcastle may be unbeaten in their opening two games but little about their performances thus far have been totally convincing.

Though there are reasons to be optimistic about the season ahead, Howe clearly needs help. Not being able to strengthen the squad even despite raising enough money to meet PSR requirements would be a huge disappointment.

Sporting director Paul Mitchell simply has to work his magic in the market. The performances so far have lacked energy and drive, even if there’s plenty of character on show.

Character, sadly, won’t be enough for Newcastle this season. They need quality to improve on last season, even if more can reasonably be expected from the players they currently have on the pitch.

Hopefully, the next few days bring better news in the transfer market.