Newcastle United are still searching for their second league win of the season following a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth at St James' Park.
Philip Billing gave Bournemouth the lead in the 62nd minute after turning in Jordan Zemura's cross, but Newcastle equalised from the spot through Alexander Isak just a few minutes later after the hosts were awarded a penalty by VAR.
Here are five things we learned from the game.
READ MORE: Newcastle United vs AFC Bournemouth highlights
Bournemouth frustrate Newcastle as sloppy goal proves costly
Newcastle hit the woodwork twice and had 20 shots, eight corners and 73% possession on Saturday, but those statistics do not tell the full story. This was, arguably, Newcastle's flattest performance of the season so far and it is not an exaggeration to say that Howe's side played better when they lost against Liverpool at Anfield last month. However, that in itself, is telling.
Newcastle are becoming a more front foot outfit but, for years now, the Magpies have often been frustrated when the onus is on them to break down a side in a low block who carry a threat on the counter. This side's unofficial motto may be 'intensity is our identity', but that energy and incision was sorely lacking against Bournemouth.
Whatever about Newcastle's struggles to break down Bournemouth, though, the hosts should have at least been able to count on their defence to keep the Cherries out. Newcastle's backline has been one of this side's real strengths, but the black-and-whites were cut open so easily for Bournemouth's opener. Zemura had far too much space down the left and no one was able to block his cross as Billing ghosted in, unmarked, to knock the ball past Pope.
Newcastle may have equalised a short while later, but Howe's side never looked like getting a winner - even when there were a whopping six minutes of stoppage time added on.
Alexander Isak shows his mettle
It looked like it was going to be another one of those frustrating afternoons at St James' for Alexander Isak, who was starved of service for large periods once again and had just 11 touches in the first half. However, when Newcastle needed Isak the most, the record signing literally stepped up in the 67th minute..
Newcastle were awarded a penalty by VAR after Jefferson Lerma kept out Kieran Trippier's cross with his hand and, given how first-choice spot-kick taker Callum Wilson not on the field, it was soon clear who was going to take it as Isak took the ball from Bruno's hands.
The pressure was on Isak, but the Sweden international fired his side level after sending Neto the wrong way with an emphatic finish. Rather than savouring his first goal at home, Isak lifted his arms up and down to whip up the crowd and urged his team-mates back to the centre circle for the restart. It was the perfect response in so many ways, but Newcastle could not find the winner.
Ryan Fraser gets quite a 'welcome'
To say there is no love lost between Bournemouth supporters and Ryan Fraser would be an understatement. Fraser refused to sign a short-term extension with the club during Project Restart in 2020 because he felt he had to look after himself as a free agent before sealing a move to Newcastle.
Bournemouth, as a result, were unable to call upon Fraser and the Cherries were ultimately relegated a few months later. Perhaps, then, you can understand why Bournemouth supporters were not in a forgiving mood at St James' on Saturday as Fraser came up against his former side for the first time since leaving the club in such acrimonious circumstances.
The away end even booed when Fraser's name was read out before the game and there were repeated shouts of 'W-----! W-----! W-----!' when Fraser missed a chance or had a cross snuffed out. Bournemouth supporters even taunted: 'Fraser! What's the score?' after Billing had put the visitors in front. It was just a little taster of the reception that awaits Fraser when he returns to the Vitality Stadium for the reverse fixture in February.
Bruno returns but Newcastle miss difference makers
The returning Bruno Guimaraes had a huge smile on his face as he arrived at St James' Park a couple hours before kick-off. Was it any wonder? The Brazil international was fit enough to start the game after recovering from a hamstring injury.
You can see why Eddie Howe felt he needed his 'big players' like Bruno back 'quickly. Bruno, Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson really are the difference makers at this level, players who can turn a defeat into a draw or convert a point into three.
There is a reason why Newcastle have only lost four games when Bruno has been in the starting line-up since he joined the club back in January or, indeed, why the Magpies only picked up two points from a possible nine without him in recent weeks. The Brazil international brings so much to this side both on and off the ball with his passing range and pressing ability respectively.
However, Bruno was marshalled for large parts against Bournemouth by the towering Billing and Newcastle sorely missed both Saint-Maximin and Wilson in the final third on an afternoon where Howe's side needed some X-Factor against the well-organised visitors.
Boos ring out as Newcastle's wait goes on
There were some boos at full-time which, perhaps, summed up a frustrating afternoon for Newcastle. This was the sort of game, after all, the Magpies need to find a way to win if they are to move to the next level.
Context is everything, of course. At this stage last season, Newcastle had not won a game and only had three points on the board, conceding a whopping 16 goals in the process. Yes, Newcastle have only won one league match so far this season but, equally, the black-and-whites have only lost a single match, too, chalking up eight points all told.
However, this was another timely reminder of the work Howe's side have to do to start winning matches at this level again - and the games certainly come thick and fast after the international break.
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