Aaron Ramsdale produced a stunning penalty shootout display as Newcastle United overcame Bournemouth to book their place in the FA Cup fourth round after a pulsating contest at St James’ Park.
Facing his former club, Ramsdale saved three spot-kicks in the shootout, denying Evanilson, Alex Jimenez and finally Bafode Diakite to spark wild celebrations on Tyneside.
Newcastle had edged ahead 7-6 in sudden death when defender Malick Thiaw calmly converted his penalty, leaving Diakite needing to score to keep Bournemouth alive – but Ramsdale had the final say.
It was another dramatic afternoon for Newcastle supporters, who once again paid tribute to club legend Kevin Keegan following his recent cancer diagnosis.
The match mirrored the chaos of Wednesday’s remarkable 4-3 win over Leeds, with momentum swinging repeatedly between the two sides.
Harvey Barnes opened the scoring midway through the second half, confidently finishing Nick Woltemade’s through ball for his 10th goal of the season.
Bournemouth responded with determination, equalising through Alex Scott, who tapped in at the back post after Evanilson’s dangerous cross.
The visitors then looked set for victory when David Brooks unleashed a superb strike from 20 yards to put Bournemouth ahead, prompting jubilant scenes on the away bench.
But Newcastle found a lifeline deep into stoppage time when goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic brought down Sandro Tonali in the area.
Anthony Gordon kept his nerve from the spot, squeezing his penalty past Petrovic to force extra time.
Barnes struck again late on, scoring in the 118th minute to seemingly send Newcastle through, but Bournemouth refused to fold.
Substitute Marcus Tavernier slipped between Sven Botman and Thiaw to score in added time and send the tie to penalties.
The shootout belonged to Ramsdale, however, as Newcastle finally prevailed and head coach Eddie Howe recorded only his second victory against his former club in memorable fashion.
