OPINION
Newcastle United secured a vital second win in a row as they overcame Bournemouth 2-1 at St. James’ Park on Saturday, and there were plenty of talking points to take away from the clash.
Salomon Rondon scored twice in the first-half to give Newcastle the lead before Jefferson Lerma hit back just ahead of the break, but the Magpies held on for the three points in a brilliant display.
This is Futbol have picked out three things we learned about Newcastle v Bournemouth below.
Rondon can be a goalscorer
Hopes were high when Newcastle signed Salomon Rondon from West Bromwich Albion in the summer, but there were also concerns about the Venezuela international’s ability to score enough goals across the course of a season. Those worries have so far been realised with Rondon scoring just once before today, although he has admittedly been limited by injury. Rondon however proved on Saturday that he can be a real goalscorer for the Magpies with two well-taken goals, and should he keep up this kind of form then they will have no trouble at all in attack.
Ki finding his feet
Newcastle fans had been left underwhelmed by the impact of seasoned Premier League performer Ki Sung-yueng since his arrival on a free from Swansea, but the South Korea international has burst to life in the past couple of games. He put in another brilliant display against the Cherries on Saturday, with the Magpies hardly missing key man Jonjo Shelvey in midfield. His switch pass in the build-up to Rondon’s second goal was sublime, and that was a feature of his game all day. If Ki keeps up this kind of form them Benitez will have a big decision to make in midfield with three players fighting for two spots.
Schar giving Lascelles a run for his money
Fabian Schar was one of Newcastle’s best performers last weekend despite playing just 45 minutes against Watford, and that continued into this weekend after Jamaal Lascelles was ruled out through injury. The 6ft 1in Switzerland international [Transfermarkt] was a rock at the back for the Magpies against the Cherries, and showcased his accomplished skill on the ball and passing ability as well. There is no denying that Lascelles is a brilliant player but on form you would have to say that Schar and Federico Fernandez are the in-form pairing for Newcastle at the moment. Benitez must now leave St. James’ Park favourite Lascelles out even if he is ready to return after the international break.