Justin Kluivert's hat-trick was the star of the show as Bournemouth secured a stunning 4-1 victory over Newcastle United at St. James' Park on Saturday, bringing to an end the hosts' hopes of extending their winning streak to ten matches. The Cherries' emphatic win not only showcased Kluivert's talent but also solidified Bournemouth's position among the Premier League elite, now sitting sixth on the table.
Kluivert, who has been enjoying the season of his life, opened the scoring early on, netting his first goal just six minutes after kickoff. This rapid start set the tone for Bournemouth's dominance, leaving the Magpies rattled and unable to recover. Although Bruno Guimaraes managed to equalize for Newcastle shortly after, Kluivert struck again just before halftime, giving Bournemouth the lead once more.
The second half saw Kluivert notch his hat-trick, sealing the fate of the match with his third goal during stoppage time, and Milos Kerkez added to the tally shortly after, putting the icing on the cake for Bournemouth. Kluivert’s performance was particularly impressive, as he became the first player for the Cherries to be involved in four goals within the same Premier League game this season. He joined the elite company of players who have achieved this feat, including stars from teams like Brentford and Liverpool.
Since joining Bournemouth, Kluivert has quickly established himself as one of the team’s key players. This victory marked his tenth Premier League goal this season, elevening his status within the league. Reflecting on the game, Kluivert expressed his satisfaction, affirming, "This feels lovely. We know how tough it is to play here. To come here with injuries, I think we have 12 first-team players, and to dominate like this – hats off to the team." His enthusiasm was palpable, indicating not just personal achievement but also collective ambition for the club.
The result was particularly remarkable considering Bournemouth's recent struggles with injuries, which have tested the depth of their squad. Manager Andoni Iraola has had to rely on several teenagers among the substitutes due to these challenges. Despite this, the team has managed to maintain their unbeaten streak, now extended to eleven matches across all competitions. This impressive run has placed them firmly within European qualification contention, as they sit just one point behind seventh-placed Chelsea and fourth-placed Newcastle.
Speaking after the game, Kluivert emphasized the team's European aspirations, stating, "At the beginning of the season, I’m an ambitious person, and we have a lot of ambitious players on the team. Bournemouth did a great job recruiting those kinds of players. We want to play Europe. Why not dream big and let’s see where we can end up?" His comments hinted at the growing confidence and unity within the team, fueled by their recent performances.
Team-mate Tyler Adams, who also impressed, echoed the sentiments of Kluivert, describing the Dutchman as "unbelievable" and indicating the potential for even greater performances. "He’s just warming up. He’s definitely hitting his stride right now and I think it’s gone unnoticed," Adams shared, providing insight on how Kluivert’s presence reinforces Bournemouth’s attacking play.
Newcastle's defeat highlighted some vulnerabilities as they struggled under pressure from the relentless Bournemouth attack. With this match, their hopes of setting a club record for ten straight wins were dashed, leaving coach Eddie Howe reflecting on the shortfalls of his players, stating, "We didn’t have total control in any phase. They were far superior and didn’t allow us to find our rhythm. That’s not the level we have played at." The defeat has sent ripples through the Newcastle squad as they look to rebound from this disappointing outing.
Looking forward, Bournemouth's next match will be against Nottingham Forest, who currently occupy third place. This fixture stands as another testing challenge for the Cherries, who are eager to continue their positive momentum. With the likes of Kluivert firing on all cylinders, the fans are right to dream big about what this season could bring.
The unquestionable skill and determination displayed by Kluivert and his teammates have set the stage for what could be one of Bournemouth's most memorable seasons. With European football on their radar, the Cherries are shifting from underdogs to credible contenders, and fans can't help but feel the excitement building as they scale new heights together.