Newcastle snatch late point vs Bournemouth through unlikely hero, a former Cherries star

Matt Ritchie's first goal since Project Restart led Newcastle United to a point against Bournemouth in a 2-2 draw at St. James' Park on Saturday.

The Magpies equalized twice after goals from Dominic Solanke and Antoine Semenyo gave the Cherries a pair of second-half leads in a bid for a surprising season sweep of Newcastle.

WATCH NEWCASTLE vs BOURNEMOUTH FULL MATCH REPLAY

The Cherries have now acquired just three points from six matches since a Boxing Day win over Fulham and have been out-scored 14-6 in that stretch, with no clean sheets.

Since losing four-straight and six-of-seven in the Premier League, the Magpies have sandwiched wins over Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest around a 4-4 draw at Luton Town, but will surely have expected better than two of 12 points from their series with Bournemouth and Luton.

The defending has been poor, and Eddie Howe's loyalty to left back Dan Burn against speedy wingers will continue to be a subplot at best and the reason they miss out on a return Europe at worst.

What’s next?

Bournemouth are home to Man City at 12:30pm ET Saturday before hosting an FA Cup match with Leicester City three days later.

Newcastle go to Arsenal at 3pm ET Saturday, then go to Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup.

How to watch Newcastle vs Bournemouth live, stream link and start time

Kick off: 10am ET Saturday
TV Channel: Peacock Premium
Online: Premier League on Peacock

Newcastle vs Bournemouth updates as they happened - By Nick Mendola

Newcastle vs Bournemouth final score: 2-2

Goals: Solanke (51'), Gordon (pen 58'), Semenyo (69'), Ritchie (90+1')

Newcastle vs Bournemouth player ratings (via fotmob.com)

Matt Ritchie goal — Newcastle 2-2 Bournemouth (90+1')

Thirty-four year old Matt Ritchie has come off the bench to score against his former club in the first of 10 minutes stoppage.

He'd been in the game for all of a minute, and had played 218 minutes total across all comps this season.

The longtime Cherries wide man hadn't score since a 3-1 Newcastle loss to Spurs on July 15, 2020.

Antoine Semenyo punishes Magpies — Newcastle 1-2 Bournemouth (69th minute)

Newcastle's been terribly wasteful in the period before Bournemouth go back in front.

It's a fine finish from the uncelebrated Antoine Semenyo, who fittingly does a double backflip celebration.

Newcastle penalty through VAR, Gordon goal — Newcastle 1-1 Bournemouth (58th minute)

As long of a VAR review as you'll see most seasons sees Fabian Schar adjudged to be onside as his shirt is pulled by Adam Smith.

Anthony Gordon's not moved by the long wait to take his penalty, and his eighth of the season makes it 1-1 to the delight of St. James' Park.

Dubravka no longer standing tall, Solanke goal — Newcastle 0-1 Bournemouth (51st minute)

A square pass to Martin Dubravka sees the Newcastle keeper slip in his six.

Dominic Solanke was always pressing the pass and he's got his 14th Premier League goal of the season.

Dubravka standing tall at one end, Villa structure firm at the other

Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka is playing well in his 150th appearance as a Magpie, with one spectacular save on Dominic Solanke the highlight of the game.

The Magpies are attacking the other end well but Bournemouth's been better than recent defensive form so far, and defensive midfielders Lewis Cook and Ryan Christie have put out a few fires for the Cherries.

Newcastle lineup

Bournemouth lineup

Newcastle focus, team news

There have been few better bargains in world football the past few years than Fabian Schar's move to Newcastle for under $4 million. It's been highlighted by his purple patch for goals, but Schar's 2,804 minutes across all competitions this season are extra valuable given the long injury to Sven Botman.

OUT: Sandro Tonali (suspension), Callum Wilson (shoulder), Joelinton (thigh), Nick Pope (shoulder), Matt Targett (thigh), Elliot Anderson (back) | QUESTIONABLE: Alexander Isak (groin), Joe Willock (achilles), Jacob Murphy (calf)

Bournemouth focus, team news

Dominic Solanke has just one goal in the five-game winless run after scoring five times including a hat trick in the previous three. He ended a seven-match wait to score against Newcastle by bagging a brace in November.

OUT: Max Aarons (thigh), Tyler Adams (hamstring - out until February), Ryan Fredericks (calf), James Hill (ankle), Philip Billing (suspension) | QUESTIONABLE: Romain Faivre (illness)