Having picked up just one point since returning to action in the Premier League after the FIFA World Cup, the visit of former manager Eddie Howe and a Newcastle United side on the rise was the last thing that Bournemouth needed.
Despite their contrasting positions, however, it was the Cherries who provided the greater threat early on, with Dominic Solanke forcing Nick Pope to dive low and tip away his headed effort.
The hosts’ strong start soon paid off, too, allowing Senesi the opportunity to slide home at the back post in the 30th minute following Dango Ouattara’s flick-on from a corner.
It’s the first time that Newcastle have gone behind in a game since the reverse fixture against Bournemouth in September. Newcastle’s response was far from a positive one, with Bournemouth on top for most of the half, but all the Magpies needed was one moment to equalise.
Moments before the break, Almiron had the simple task of tapping home on the rebound, after Sean Longstaff’s powerful drive could only be palmed into the path of the Paraguayan by Neto.
Newcastle’s equaliser didn’t deter Bournemouth after the break, and Gary O’Neil’s team once again looked the stronger side, albeit without providing Pope with a substantial test.
Instead, against the run of play, it was Newcastle who went close, when Neto’s mistake would have led to the winning goal, but for a crucial block to deny substitute Anthony Gordon.
Kieran Trippier’s clearance off the line to deny Solanke summed things up for Bournemouth, who came away with a draw despite a positive performance, and now sit just one point adrift of safety.
Meanwhile, Newcastle now have a two-point cushion inside the top-four amid a frustrating spell of four draws in their last five league games.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Jefferson Lerma (Bournemouth)
