Matt Ritchie scored in stoppage time to rescue a point for Newcastle United as they drew 2-2 against AFC Bournemouth at St James’ Park.

The Cherries went ahead twice, first through Dominic Solanke and then Antoine Semenyo, but Anthony Gordon and Ritchie were able to pull the visitors back on both occasions to earn a point.

How the match unfolded

Newcastle made one change from their win at Nottingham Forest as Harvey Barnes replaced the injured Callum Wilson. Justin Kluivert and Antoine Semenyo came in for Alex Scott and Luis Sinisterra following their defeat to Fulham last time out.

Anthony Gordon had a great chance for Newcastle inside five minutes from a cross from Kieran Trippier, but the forward got his header all wrong and failed to test Neto.

Gordon came close again three minutes later when he closed Neto down, but he could only deflect the ball wide of the right post.

Dominic Solanke missed two golden opportunities against the run of play in an eight-minute spell as Martin Dubravka saved both efforts from point-blank range to keep the score level.

Fabian Schar and Miguel Almrion both went close as Newcastle were firmly on top to close the half, but could not find a breakthrough.

Newcastle started the second period on the front foot and Almiron again came within inches of giving the Magpies the lead, but his strike went just over.

Solanke broke the deadlock in the 51st minute with the easiest of finishes into an empty net after Dubravka slipped in the wet conditions, allowing the striker to score his 14th league goal of the season.

It did not take Newcastle long to reply as Gordon equalised with a penalty six minutes later. After a VAR check, Adam Smith was penalised for a shirt pull on Fabian Schar and Gordon found the bottom-right corner from the spot.

Just moments after Gordon failed to capitalise on a chance at one end, Semenyo put Bournemouth back in front with a brilliant finish across goal from the edge of the box with 20 minutes to go.

Lewis Cook almost made it 3-1 in the 81st minute, but Dubravka was equal to the effort from the midfielder.

Substitute Matt Ritchie needed less than a minute to make an impact as he levelled the scoreline for Newcastle with a finish inside the six-yard box. It was his first goal in four years for the Magpies.

Bournemouth almost snatched a late winner but Senesi’s shot was blocked by Sven Botman in the ninth minute of time added on.

Eddie Howe’s side remain in seventh with 37 points, while Bournemouth are in 13th on 28 points as their winless start to 2024 continues.

Club reports

Newcastle report | Bournemouth report

Match officials

Referee: Michael Salisbury. Assistants: Richard West, Akil Howson. Fourth official: Oli Langford. VAR: Rob Jones. Assistant VAR: Simon Bennett.