Bournemouth boss reveals 'uncomfortable' Newcastle United plan after 2-0 victory

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola admits it was his plan to make Newcastle United "uncomfortable" during opening stages of Saturday evening's game.

The Cherries claimed only their second win of the 2023-24 Premier League season following a second-half brace from Dominic Solanke. It was Newcastle's first loss in nine domestic matches as they missed the chance to move to within one of the top four.

"We wanted to put pressure on them and make them feel like it was going to be an uncomfortable game," said Iraola."That they would be facing a tough press and would not be free on the ball.

"It was key to start strong. We had some good chances at the beginning, we couldn't score and at half time it looked like one of those games. We were by far the best team but nil-nil, a very dangerous situation."

Having lost Callum Wilson to a hamstring injury in midweek and watched as Miguel Almiron was forced off on the half-hour mark, Magpies' head coach Eddie Howe lacked options from the bench with only Matt Ritchie, Tino Livramento and under-21s striker Ben Parkinson called upon.

There's an argument to say it was Newcastle's worst performance of the campaign. Meanwhile, for Bournemouth, it was their best as they moved out of the Premier League relegation.

Iraola added: "I would say that was the best performance from us so far this season, a complete performance. We have had good 45 minute spells in some games but the way we played both halves today was probably the best we have done all season.

 "It is always important when you have the chance to play in front of your own fans, to have home advantage. Teams come here and know it is not going to be comfortable for them. It is a win that we needed but we still need to keep working becase we need more wins and more points. But I am happy with the effort we put in today."