AFC Bournemouth made the long trip to Newcastle on Saturday night. It’s a hard trip on normal occasions, but TNT Sports’ decision to make it a 12.30pm kick-off did not make it any easier.
The game saw two of the most in-form sides in the Premier League coming head-to-head, AFC Bournemouth had gone 10 games in all competitions undefeated, whilst Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United had enjoyed a club record-equalling nine consecutive wins. As Cherries fans will remember fondly, Howe was always keen to try and set records and milestones during his time on the south coast in a bid to motivate his players. He will have no doubt done the same at Newcastle, setting run of victories which had never been done in a history that dates back 144 years…and it still hasn’t as they lost to the Cherries.
Justin Kluivert took home the match ball for his second hat-trick of the campaign, whilst Milos Kerkez put the Cherry on top of the cake scoring AFC Bournemouth’s fourth in a performance that is arguably the greatest-ever single performance by any AFC Bournemouth side.
After the match, AFC Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola told Sky Sports…
“Very proud of my players. I think we played a very complete game. We started very strong. We didn’t want to lose a little bit of our identity, even if we knew the difficult circumstances with the bench players.
“We decided to play like we normally do. I think every player that has played today has done his part and extra. I feel very happy for them. To be part of this win and the way we won, I think it’s going to be unforgettable for us.”
Man of the match against NewcastleKluivert
Christie
Dango
Kerkez
Huijsen
Brooks
Cook
Semenyo
Someone else
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"I hope they won't forget it, I will never forget this game."
Some of our supporters have had mega journeys this morning, with some leaving Vitality Stadium at 2am.
And now, there are memories for life ❤️ pic.twitter.com/viVVOivhJR
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) January 18, 2025
Kicks_On_66
Well that is an amazing start to a sunny and chilly winter Saturday. I am but a newcomer to AFCB fandom, but that’s the greatest performance I have seen. Once again, the entire cast played their parts superbly. I would acknowledge Kluivert, Dango, Brooks, Semenyo, Adams, Christie, the back four, and Kepa as special contributors. Oh wait, that’s the whole starting XI. So be it. Also Andoni and the coaches for getting them ready to jump down Newcastle’s throat.
To be a little more serious, many of the performances today were world-class. The best centerback pair in the EPL kept the in-form striker of the EPL out of the match. Part of that was relentless help from Christie and Adams. In the last 15 minutes I saw many tired plays, but also moments of sheer determination and quality. Kluivert’s third, into the side netting, from a well-anticipated Adams interception, is a goal of the season candidate. Kerkez was seemingly out on his feet near the end, only to run 50 or 60 yards at full throttle and complete a dazzling finish. Shirtless celebration yellow card well earned.
I just could not be prouder of the boys or happier with the result.
WHAT IT MEANS ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/XzUn6qHOeM
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) January 18, 2025
USCherry
I think people are starting to take notice. We controlled the game on their turf and were deserved winners. 1-4 didn’t flatter us at all. What a special team we have right now. Now lets get some bodies back in the squad please!
Not sure at which point Bournemouth became one of the best teams in the world, but there we go.
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) January 18, 2025
Forza Rossoneri!
This was extraordinary, especially given that the injury situation meant that we couldn’t get several subs on midway throught the second half as we usually do.
🍒 @afcbournemouth's remarkable recent run!
Unbeaten in their last 10 matches, and now up to sixth in the table! pic.twitter.com/4Nwg92k8p6
— Premier League (@premierleague) January 18, 2025
ForHeavensSake
There’s no doubt there is no farting about when our boys are on it, they’re ON IT! Not only a great result but a great and thoroughly professional performance throughout. How they sustained such a high level throughout including lots of added-on time (for fouls awarded for their falling to the ground and Oscar-winning stuntman rolls) was remarkable.
It was very difficult to pick a man-of-the-match as all were superb, but to score three at St James Park, I gravitate to Kluivert. To join the conversation, please click here.
Hat-Trick Kluivert 🎩
He scored his second hat-trick of the season for @afcbournemouth in their incredible win over Newcastle! pic.twitter.com/vx2QA7s0gN
— Premier League (@premierleague) January 18, 2025
