Newcastle United’s search for goals and Eddie Howe’s wait for a victory over his former club Bournemouth, stretched on after a goalless stalemate on the south coast.
The result maintained the Cherries’ promising start to the campaign, while the Magpies’ defensive solidity remained intact with a fourth clean sheet in five league outings.
Yet, their attacking struggles persist, with only three goals scored all season.
Howe, winless in seven attempts against Bournemouth, rang the changes after Thursday’s Champions League defeat to Barcelona, making seven alterations to his lineup.
In contrast to January’s 4-1 loss at St. James’ Park, when Justin Kluivert netted a hat-trick of penalties, this meeting offered little drama.
Debutants featured on both sides: Álex Jiménez at right-back for Bournemouth and Malick Thiaw in central defence for Newcastle.
The Cherries fashioned the first real chance when David Brooks’ clever flick released Tyler Adams, but Nick Pope blocked with his legs.
Newcastle responded through Jacob Murphy, who tested Djordje Petrovic from a narrow angle following Sandro Tonali’s neat pass.
Brooks remained lively and thought he had broken the deadlock from Evanilson’s cut-back, only for VAR to confirm the offside flag. Tonali later went close himself, firing just over from distance.
The visitors appealed for a penalty early in the second half when Nick Woltemade tangled with Bafodé Diakité, but referee Robert Jones waved play on.
As the game drifted, both coaches turned to their benches, Kluivert and Ryan Christie for Andoni Iraola, Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga for Howe.
Barnes’ surging run into the box briefly lifted the tempo before James Hill snuffed out the danger with a superb recovery tackle.
Kluivert finally forced Pope into action late on with a low free-kick, but the Magpies’ backline, marshalled impressively by Dan Burn, held firm.
For Newcastle, the lack of cutting edge is a pressing concern, especially with Yoane Wissa sidelined for another month and Arsenal visiting Tyneside next weekend.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, can take encouragement from their resilience, Liverpool remain the only side to have beaten them this season under Iraola.
