MANCHESTER, England: Newcastle have plunged into their most challenging period since the club were bought by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund.
A 2-1 home loss to Bournemouth on Saturday was a third straight defeat in the Premier League for Newcastle, which are languishing in 14th place in the 20-team topflight with five games remaining of the campaign. The team received boos at full time.
It leaves Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, hired in November 2021 under increasing pressure, with the club not giving any assurances he’ll be in charge beyond this season.
At St. James’ Park, Adrien Truffert broke a tie in the 85th minute with his first Premier League goal to win the game for eighth-place Bournemouth, which are unbeaten in 13 straight league matches — including six wins.
Marcus Tavernier turned in Rayan’s cross across the goalmouth in the 32nd minute to put the Cherries ahead. Will Osula equalized in the 68th minute after an initial offside call was overturned in a video review.
Newcastle captain Bruno Guimarães entered in the 62nd minute after recovering from a hamstring injury that had sidelined him since Feb. 10.
Brentford’s fifth straight draw
Brentford failed to boost their unlikely Champions League qualification hopes by drawing a fifth straight game in the Premier League, this time 0-0 at home to Fulham.
Brentford could have climbed above Chelsea, which play Manchester United later, and into sixth place with a win but missed a slew of chances. Top scorer Igor Thiago hit the goal frame.
Leicester heading for third tier
Ten years after winning the Premier League, Leicester look to be heading to the third tier of English soccer.
A 1-0 loss at Portsmouth on Saturday left Leicester in second-to-last place in the Championship.
