Newcastle United's seven-game unbeaten run in the Premier League came to an end as AFC Bournemouth eased to a 2-0 victory on the South Coast.
Eddie Howe named three changes from the 2-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in midweek. Lewis Miley was handed his first Premier League start in place of the suspended Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon came in for the injured Callum Wilson. Meanwhile, Tino Livramento dropped to the bench with Miguel Almiron recalled.
A flat start by the Magpies was compounded by the loss of Almiron in the 31st minute as Howe's injury list stretched to 11 players. Newcastle, for the first time this season, genuinely looked depleted and their an air of inevitability when Dominic Solanke broke the deadlock on the hour mark.
If Howe hoped that would spark some life into his side then he was left disappointed as Solanke doubled the hosts' lead 13 minutes later.
The defeat at the South Coast brought an end to Newcastle's nine-game unbeaten run in domestic competitions. They must now wait two weeks until after the international break to try and react when Chelsea visit St James' Park.
Here's our Newcastle United player ratings:
9. Joe Willock - 5
Slightly better than others. Looked lively in stages but wasn’t involved enough. | AFP via Getty Images
10. Miguel Almiron - 5
Little impact during his half an hour on the pitch with his only contribution being to win a corner. Went off injured. | AFP via Getty Images
11. Joelinton - 4
Had returned to his best form in recent weeks but not today. Poor both on and off the ball. | AFP via Getty Images
12. Anthony Gordon - 4
Started as the central striker but it wasn’t long before he switched with Joelinton. Struggled to get into the game. A yard off. | Getty Images