Newcastle United were not at their best on the South Coast but showed their fighting qualities and a gritty determination that netted them a point as they stayed unbeaten.
They also surpassed a seven-game unscathed stretch on the road dating back to 2003/04 during the days of Sir Bobby Robson to set a new Premier League record. And it's 17 matches since they last tasted a defeat in the top-flight back in August.
For all the positives though Newcastle looked shaky at times and perhaps there were a few jangling nerves in play with the Carabao Cup final in sight. They also could have lost it late on had it not been for the class of Kieran Trippier to calmly clear it off the line as Dominic Solanke back-heeled an effort towards goal.
Like last week, when the dust settles, this could still prove to be a decent point when considering the bigger picture. Yet it was also a day in which the gap at the top could have been closed on Arsenal, held by Brentford, and the chance to put distance between themselves and Tottenham, wasn't taken.
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Despite slipping behind to a Marcos Senesi goal they showed the character to get back in it through Miguel Almiron before the break. But could not take any of their second half chances with Bournemouth the happier of the sides with a point.
Howe was afforded a warm reception on his return to the club he led from League Two to the Premier League. But the same could not be said for Toon substitute Ryan Fraser, who left the Cherries amid their relegation struggles, with the Scotland international suffering terrace abuse all evening.
Newcastle were bidding to make it eight unbeaten in the Premier League away from home for the first time ever. The game took a while to settle with no chances for either side in the opening exchanges.
But on 10 minutes - after United had enjoyed 83% possession early on - Kieran Trippier won a corner on the right. It was the England man who swirled it in but Fabian Schar, up for the set-play, saw a header flash wide of the post.
Bournemouth responded on the 12-minute mark when former Arsenal youngster Jaidon Anthony's cross from the left found Dominic Solanke but his header was pushed wide by Nick Pope. United won another corner thanks to Alexander Isak's run forward but Bournemouth cleared their lines once more.
Anthony had an ambitious try for the Cherries on 27 minutes but his shot swerved viciously wide of the target with Pope in control. But the home side nudged ahead on the half-hour mark after a corner routine.
With half an hour gone Argentina international centre-back Marcos Senesi went up for a corner, swung in by Hamed Traore, with Dango Ouattara flicking the ball on and the defender firing home unmarked at the back post. Eddie Howe's deeply disappointed expression said it all as the players made their way back to the middle after a sloppy goal by United's high defensive standards.
Things appeared to get worse for Newcastle when Joe Willock, heavily strapped after a first half injury, was forced off early. His replacement came in the form of £45million forward Anthony Gordon.
Newcastle regrouped though and after Isak's tame effort had at least warmed the hands of Neto, the equaliser followed on the stroke of half-time. Longstaff's driving run and shot saw Neto fail to hold on to the low drive before Almiron followed up with his 10th Premier League strike of the season.
The strike included great work from Saint-Maximin to slot in Longstaff with the midfielder's stinging effort pushed to the left of the goal by Neto with Almiron then opening up his body to equalise.
Bournemouth were forced into an early second half change when Wales defender Chris Mepham came on for goalscorer Senesi on 53 minutes. Saint-Maximin had a go from outside the box on 56 minutes but his effort was high and wide.
Gordon went into the book on the hour mark after a slight foul on Adam Smith with referee Stuart Attwell racing straight for his notebook. Anthony went off for Bournemouth after a good shift midway through the second half and was replaced by home favourite Marcus Tavernier.
Mid-way through the second half Burn caught Ouattara with his arm but the officials deemed it a fair challenge - much to the annoyance of the local fans. Saint-Maximin forced Neto into a save with 20 minutes left but neither Longstaff or Gordon could find the finish on the follow up as the ball bobbled around frantically in the danger area.
With 15 minutes left, Antoine Semenyo and Ryan Fredericks were introduced for the Cherries as they tried to nab the win. Ouattara and Smith went off for Gary O'Neil's men.
Newcastle had two enforced changes in the closing stages as Almiron went off with a wrist injury for Jacob Murphy before Saint-Maximin was replaced by Elliot Anderson. Botman was booked for pushing over Jefferson Lerma as United lined up to face a set-piece.
The Magpies had Trippier to thank in the 90th minute as Burn lost the ball in the corner with Traore's cross finding Solanke in the box. Solanke's back-heel beat Pope but Trippier was on hand to frantically clear off the line in a nervous moment for Newcastle.
United pressed late on but Joelinton and picked up a late booking. However, the final blast of Attwell's whistle indicated a draw, another record and the fact that unbeaten run still stretches back to August.
Our 48-page Carabao Cup final special is available to pre-order now! Click HERE to get your copy as Newcastle United prepare for a historic day out at Wembley. Also available to purchase through local participating retailers from February 15.
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