STEVE BRUCE has paid tribute to his Newcastle United team for coming from behind to beat Bournemouth and climb up to 11th in the Premier League table.
The Magpies moved to within two points of fifth place Sheffield United, which could change after Arsenal’s later game with Leicester City, courtesy of the 2-1 win at St James’ Park.
Newcastle played well for the majority of the afternoon even though the Cherries, sitting seventh beforehand, looked dangerous on the attack.
Bruce said: “Yes, it's (the) most satisfying. Delighted with the spirit they showed. We had a difficult first 25 minutes, we stuck at it, regrouped and got the goal at the right time.
“We have wanted the wing-backs in higher positions over the last few weeks so delighted to see DeAndre Yedlin in there (heading the winner). After we scored I thought we were the deserved team to win.”
Bournemouth were rewarded for a strong start in the 14th minute with a well worked corner.
Harry Wilson cleverly moved from the back of the area to the front to meet Ryan Fraser’s low cross to complete a well worked corner.
Newcastle, who lost Jamaal Lascelles to a knee injury early on after he was shoved into goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, never gave up though and had their moments before levelling with three minutes left of the first half.
Yedlin applied the fine diving headed finish to the impressive Allan Saint-Maximim’s deflected effort on goal which stood after a VAR check for offside.
Six minutes into the second half the winner arrived. Jetro Willems sent the ball back into the penalty area where Federico Fernandez headed down and Ciaran Clark was on hand to beat goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
Bournemouth then had a stoppage-time chance to level but Joshua King headed wide from a late corner to leave the Geordies happy. Newcastle also had their chances, with Miguel Almiron and Saint-Maximim going close too.
Bruce said: “I think that’s six one-on-ones we have had in the last two games, that summed our afternoon up when Allan burst through and Almiron hit him with it.
“The crowd will only respond when they see the team up and at them. We are edging towards that. the crowd played a part in the last ten 15 minutes, they enjoyed the threat and the pace and power we have up the pitch.
"We just need to add the goal at the end of the pitch. I know Bournemouth will go away from that saying it is a tough afternoon playing against those three.”
Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe said: “Hugely frustrated and disappointed. Started so well. looked in a good place but then we made some uncharacteristic errors at a time we were dominating to give Newcastle the encouragement to get back into the match.
“It got the crowd into the game. Jason Tindall deserves credit for the routines we do from set plays, we pride ourselves on being innovative and it was a great finish by Harry.”
Newcastle (3-4-2-1): Dubravka; Fernandez, Lascelles (Dummett 20), Clark; Yedlin, Shelvey, Hayden, Willems; Saint-Maximin (Atsu 89), Almiron; Joelinton (Carroll 82). Subs: Darlow (gk), Gayle, Krafth, M Longstaff
Bournemouth (4-4-2): Ramsdale; Smith (Danjuma 78), Ake, S Cook, Rico (Solanke 66); Fraser, Billing, L Cook, H Wilson (Francis 66); King, C Wilson. Subs: Boruc (gk), Gosling, Stacey, Mepham.
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