Eddie Howe had to react to a 2-1 defeat for Newcastle United against one of his old clubs.
**Bournemouth**extended their Premier League unbeaten streak to 13 fixtures, improving the club record they set last week, but Howe has more pressing issues than praising his former employers.
‘We are not at our best level’
The Toon were taken aback when **Rayan**blew past Lewis Hall in a 1 v 1 battle, assisting Marcus Tavernier. **Evanilson**should have scored a second strike before half time, and Sven Botman bailed out the backline with a last-ditch intervention after the restart. Newcastle needed some inspiration.
Bruno Guimaraes gave the hosts a spark, setting away William Osula to level. But the problems piled up for Howe’s men as Tino Livramento left the field with a hamstring injury, and then his replacement, Dan Burn, watched as **Evanilson**teed up Adrien Truffert to take all three points.
“We fought back well in the second half and at 1-1 I thought we could be the team to go on and win, but we didn't stamp our authority and, similar to recent weeks, we conceded a poor goal late on.
"They are a very good team, and they gave us problems at certain moments. I don't think there was a lot in the game. It was a game of minimal shots from us. We should create more at home and that is a disappointment. It was an even game, but they had more product.
“[What is missing is] confidence and our flow isn't really there, which is putting pressure on our backline. There's minimal threat before their two goals. We make mistakes, and we don't recover from them. I think the lads were there, they were present, they were trying. I would never criticise the group for that. We are collectively not at our best level, but I don't doubt the character of the players.
“Disappointing when you are not delivering for your supporters. That is the ultimate disappointment when you feel you are letting people down who come here and support us. If they are critical of us, we have to accept that as that's the game we are in.
"We can promise 100% work and commitment to the team and the football club [for the rest of the season]. There is so much media attention on the club because it is such a huge global fanbase, and you understand that you are in the business to win. I understand the frustrations of everybody else.
"My own internal motivation never changes regardless of results. I want to help players grow and develop and try and produce a winning team."