Eddie Howe is not one to get choked up in public, but even the Newcastle United head coach looked like he was just about holding it together as he clapped his hands and made his way around the pitch at the Vitality Stadium at full-time. Howe may have been wearing a Newcastle tracksuit, but the former Bournemouth boss was serenaded by both sets of supporters on his return to his old stomping ground. No wonder Howe admitted he was 'emotional' following Saturday's 1-1 draw.
Years have passed since Howe left Bournemouth, but these fans will never forget how the former Cherries defender took their side from the depths of League Two in his first spell as manager to the promised land of the Premier League in his second stint. That ability to build was one of the main reasons why Newcastle turned to Howe last year and this reception was yet another reminder that the Magpies' owners have already made their most important addition amid Bournemouth fans' undying gratitude.
That the stalemate felt like a disappointment of sorts showed just how far along this build is under Howe. It said it all that Marcos Senesi's opener on the half-hour mark was the first time Newcastle had even gone behind in the Premier League since the reverse fixture in September. This was a new experience for Sven Botman, who threw his arms up and down in frustration after the ball hit the back of the net.
