What Matias Fernandez-Pardo did after Newcastle United snatch late draw against Bournemouth
Jacob Ramsey came off the bench to rifle home a late equaliser for Newcastle United against Bournemouth.
Matthias Jaissle’s goal-frenzy start to life on Tyneside continues as Newcastle United came from two goals down to snatch a draw against Bournemouth. Here are your five key takeaways from the contest.
Bournemouth curse continues
Ahead of kick-off, Newcastle were winless in seven Premier League games. Toon fans jokingly labelled the slump as the “Eddie Howe” curse.
For context, Steve Bruce was the last Toon boss to mastermind a top-flight triumph against the Cherries - with Howe in the opposing dugout. Winning here would have placed a feather in Jaissle’s cap.
Ultimately, the Magpies fell short. But this certainly feels like a point gained rather than one dropped. The story of this contest pointed towards another Bournemouth triumph - until Jacob Ramsey rifled home a late equaliser.
The “Howe curse” now bleeds into the Jaissle era. But Newcastle should be happy to take the draw and move on.
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First Matthias Jaissle test
Before kick-off, this was billed as a first real acid test for Jaissle’s reign. Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur allowed the Magpies to set up as counter-attacking underdogs.
And when Bournemouth led at the break, Jaissle was placed firmly into the in-game spotlight. Newcastle were up against it after a lethargic first-half display.
For much of the second period, the dye looked cast. The Magpies lacked inventiveness going forward. Was this going to be another sobering home defeat to Bournemouth?
Ramsey - his substitute - snatched the points. There were also impressive cameos from Sean Steur and Matias Fernandez-Pardo, who we will get on to…
Matias Fernandez-Pardo watch
With the game in need of a spark, Newcastle turned to their £51million recruit. Fernandez-Pardo no longer sported the peroxide-blonde barnet he repped on arrival.
It was always a question of how fit the Belgian would be having not played for Lille since June. Fernandez-Pardo - like Alexander Isak and Yoane Wissa 12 months ago - lacks match fitness as he beds into a new club.
But what he did provide was effort. The youngster chased down every lost cause and offered genuine pace up front - something the outgoing Nick Woltemade did not. Plenty to build on from Ferandez-Pardo’s debut showing.
Newcastle United boogeyman
Marcus Tavernier - who grew up in Lemington - just cannot stop scoring against Newcastle. Released at St James’ Park as a 14-year-old, the Bournemouth man recorded his fourth strike against the Magpies.
Many inside St James’ Park felt Anthony Elanga had been fouled in the build-up. Regardless of the controversy, Tarvernier was clever enough to find a yard inside the penalty area to steer home on nine minutes.
He is the current St James’ Park boogeyman. God help Newcastle if he ever plays alongside Danny Welbeck…
Man in the middle
While not an excuse for Newcastle, Rob Jones cannot be proud of his performance today. The game did not flow. He forgot that this was a Premier League match.
Not every decision was wrong. Loud boos and jeers followed when Yoane Wissa received a second-half booking. It was indeed a foul.
But throughout the contest, Jones proved to be whistle-happy at every opportunity. It made for a frustrating watch for the neutral - never mind the Newcastle supporters.
Tensions reached fever pitch in stoppage time when Barnes was penalised on the break. When Fernandez-Pardo was brought down moments later? Nothing. Not the ref’s finest hour.
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