Newcastle United were well beaten by a lively Bournemouth at St James’ Park.
The Magpies were well beaten in all areas on Saturday as they fell to their first defeat in 10 games. Eddie Howe’s side had the chance to move up to third in the Premier League table, but at times they looked like a side fighting for survival let alone European football.
Results elsewhere mean that Newcastle could fall as low as sixth in the table at the end of the game week. Manchester City and Chelsea are still yet to play but could leapfrog the Magpies with a win.
Most players looked bereft of confidence in the game. Alexander Isak and Jacob Murphy were two particular Newcastle strugglers.
In defence, Sven Botman was taken off at half time for Fabian Schar after struggling to contain Bournemouth’s pacey attackers. Lewis Hall’s Newcastle performance was branded as “off” by Joe Cole.
Sandro Tonali played all 90 minutes in the defeat. The Italian has been playing in a deeper midfield role in recent weeks but he couldn’t do enough to stop the floodgates opening at St James’ Park.
After the game, fans took to social media to comment on Newcastle and Tonali’s performance.
Fans hail Tonali’s performance despite Newcastle loss
Tonali was undoubtedly the best Newcastle player on the pitch. Even with less than 10 minutes left, the 24-year-old was still busting a gut to chase down loose balls and get the ball moving.
Newcastle fans reacted to Tonali’s performance on X.
“Sandro Tonali was the only player who could come out of that with his head held high. Covered every blade of grass, did everyone else’s job for them.” Wrote one fan. Another added: “Tonali was brilliant all things considered.”
This fan believed Tonali is the only player who can hold their head high, they said: “Tonali for me the only player who turned up.”
Another fan added: “Don’t take anything away from Bournemouth, they never allowed us to settle. They deserved that result, we can have no complaints. Thought Tonali had a decent game though.”
“Tonali the only one who could hold his head up today – Bruno although he scored had one of his poorest games in a black and white shirt.” wrote one fan.
Finally, this fan said: “It’s easy to point fingers in a performance that (Newcastle) were second best from start to finish. Tonali apart none of the big names performed at their usual high levels. Despite missing out on a record tenth win its only fair to move on given the run the boys have had.”
Tonali’s Newcastle performance by numbers
If Howe can be pleased by anything, it should be how Tonali played against Bournemouth. Like the fans said, Tonali looked to be the only player who gave it 100% for the whole 90 minutes.
In the game, Tonali completed 80% of his pass attempts (41/50), had 76 touches including two in the opposition box, managed three passes into the final third, made eight recoveries and won seven of his 12 duels.
If Tonali was available for Newcastle last season, who knows what they could have achieved. Even in the poorest of defeats, Tonali has still shown what he is capable of. The result could have been far worse if it wasn’t for him.
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