Three 4/10s and two 7s - Newcastle player ratings from Bournemouth draw

A tough day at the office for Newcastle United, who relied on fighting spirit and two moments of quality to salvage a point against Bournemouth.

After going 2-0 down, a curling Harvey Barnes effort before the break reduced the deficit, before Jacob Ramsey struck late to maintain our unbeaten start to 2026/27 in another 2-2 draw on Tyneside.

Here are our marks out of 10 and comment on each player involve in yesterday's game at St James' Park. 

Starting 11

Hornicek (5.5) - Couldn’t do much about either goal and made some routine saves to keep us in it. A few nervy moments in possession, but he largely got away with it. Still a massive upgrade over Pope on the ball.

Dedic (5) - Early foray in attack showed promise, but struggled defensively and was largely culpable for both goals. Did throw in the cross for the equalising goal and tried to drive us on , but this was a definite reality check after a superb start to the season.

Thiaw (5) - Very unlucky with the own goal and struggled at times with the high-intensity press from Bournemouth. Some really sloppy moments on the ball. 

Botman (4) - Reverted to his preseason form with a really poor showing. Sloppy in possession and it was his poor clearance that led to the opening goal. Very lucky not to gift Evanilson a goal to make it 2-0.

Hall (6) - Played a delicious ball down the line to set up Barnes, who finished with aplomb. Wasn’t his most effective game in attack and his penchant for always using his left foot meant a large amount of his passes went backwards.

Nico (4.5) - Had next to no impact at all as he was suffocated in possession by the brilliant Scott and Adams. The gloss from the debut game against Spurs wore off pretty quickly here. Still settling in, and the combination with Miley will take time to properly gel. Expected better from him with his ball retention.

Miley (4.5) - Much like Nico, he was completely overrun in midfield and was chasing shadows all afternoon until he was hooked. Rare off day for the local lad, who misplaced so many passes, which is unlike him.  

Elanga (5) - Unsure what he’s done to the referees but he can’t seem to win a free kick off them lately. Was clearly pulled back in the lead-up to the opening goal, but the referees turned a blind eye. Had a tough time up against Truffert, who handled him well. 

Willock (5) - Did what he usually does which is a lot of running without anything of substance coming off the back of it. Came close with a header at the start of the second half but very much feels like he will slot into the role of impact sub sooner rather than later.

Barnes (7) - Continued his good start to the season with a superb strike high into the top corner to drag us back into the game. Wasn’t as influential but can be relied upon to step up when his team needs him.

Wissa (6.5) - Looks more effective in the number 10 role and had a few bright moments, including the cross for Willock. Will be interesting to see how quickly he can build a relationship and chemistry with Fernandez-Pardo.

Substitutes 

Fernandez-Pardo (6.5) - Clearly undercooked after having very little football, but showed some really good flashes which bode well for the future. Will need to build up his match fitness, but the early signs are promising.

Ramsey (7) - Looked really good when he came on and grabbed the equaliser with a composed finish into the bottom corner. Had the advantage of coming on when Bournemouth abandoned their high press so he was afforded more time on the ball. Will be pushing for a starting berth soon.

Murphy (NR) - Replaced Elanga for the final stages. Did OK and looked to get crosses into the box. 

Steur (NR) - Always looks to play forward. Will be pushing to take Miley's spot after his poor showing.

Livramento (NR) - Good to see him back, albeit for a brief cameo.