Newcastle 1-4 Bournemouth: Justin Kluivert emerging from dad’s shadow as Bournemouth dream of Europe
As the 1,700 Bournemouth fans holding tickets to Saturday’s Newcastle game left their homes in the early hours, some after midnight, they may have been questioning their own judgement.
The ambitious Magpies are on a nine-match winning streak in all competitions, having won their previous five home games and boast one of Europe’s most in-form forwards in Alexander Isak.
Andoni Illara’s side have not lost in the Premier League since November but are missing a number of first-team players through injury, including Marcos Senesi, Marcus Tavernier, Luis Si Nistra, Evan Nelson, and Enes Unal.
It turns out Cherries supporters have nothing to worry about.
Dutchman Justin Kluivert was the hero of the great 4-1 victory, scoring a hat-trick against the club for whom his Champions League-winning father Patrick scored in 37 appearances in 2004-05. 13 goals, but at St James’ Park.
“I heard I’ve already scored more goals here than him, so it’s a win for him,” the 25-year-old told BBC Match of the Day. “I followed Newcastle United when I was young but unfortunately for them Kluivert plays for another team now.”
The victory not only extended Bournemouth’s unbeaten run in the top flight to double digits, but also lifted their standings to sixth – just one point behind the fourth-placed Magpies.
“We can dream big,” added Kluivert, who scored a landmark hat-trick of penalties against Wolves in November. “We can go very far.
“It feels great to have this result. It’s the best feeling in the world. We believe in each other and believe in each other. I think that’s the spirit of our team.”
“Bournemouth are right there now,” former West Ham United, Chelsea and Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole told TNT Sports. “I think they will pose a challenge to Europe.
“Their front four tore Newcastle apart.”
