EPL: How Solanke’s brace lifted Bournemouth over Newcastle

Dominic Solanke scored twice to give Bournemouth a richly deserved victory over Newcastle United as injuries continue to mount for visiting manager Eddie Howe.

Bournemouth failed to capitalise on numerous chances in the first half before Solanke eventually broke the deadlock after an hour, taking advantage of a fortunate ricochet off Joe Willock to slot in from close range.

READ ALSO: Dominic Solanke scores brace to edge Newcastle

He doubled Bournemouth’s lead 13 minutes later, flicking in a rebound after Luis Sinisterra’s header came back off the post.

It was a disappointing result for Newcastle, who were without midfielder Bruno Guimaraes through suspension and injured striker Callum Wilson, before Miguel Almiron was forced off in the first half.

Sean Longstaff had the best of their chances late in the second half, curling over the bar from an unmarked position, but only after goalkeeper Nick Pope made several smart saves to prevent Bournemouth’s tally rising.

Defeat leaves Howe’s side seventh in the Premier League table, four points behind fourth-placed Liverpool, and the Reds can extend their advantage against Brentford at Anfield on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Bournemouth have opened up a three-point gap on the bottom three with just their second victory from 12 Premier League matches this season.