Marcus Tavernier – brother of former Newcastle full back James – tapped home to give the hosts a first half lead at the Vitality Stadium.

But Gordon’s intervention levelled matters in the closing stages for the Magpies, who were good value for their point after an improved second half display – while they also survived a late scare as Dango Outtara’s goal was ruled out after a VAR check.

In a frenetic opening, both sides gave as good as they got. Alexander Isak’s cross was nodded away with Anthony Gordon lurking, before the Swede’s burst into the box was halted in timely fashion. He did test Neto with a low shot after a lofted pass from Emil Krafth released him, but he had already been flagged offside.

With clear-cut chances for the visitors at a premium, the Cherries dominated much of the half. Brazilian forward Evanilson forced an excellent save from Nick Pope, who repelled his powerful effort by throwing his left leg in the way of it, but Andoni Iraola’s men kept coming back for more, with Antoine Semenyo clipping the crossbar with a curling strike after cutting inside from the right.

Eventually, with eight minutes left of the first half, their persistence paid off. Semenyo nicked possession from Joelinton and drove forward, sending over a low cross which was tapped home by Tavernier.

It was the first goal the Magpies had conceded in 2024/25, and they came out after the restart with renewed intent. Isak had two attempts – one was charged down, and one was blocked in the box as United began to find a bit of space in the hosts’ half.

But at the other end, it took a terrific tackle from Dan Burn to prevent Semenyo turning Justin Kluivert’s centre goalwards, while Pope had to be alert to palm away Evanilson’s drive from range. The dangerous Semenyo continued to ask questions of Howe’s side, sending over a tempting cross Evanilson, at full stretch, just couldn’t quite turn home.

With a quarter of the game remaining, Isak fed substitute Harvey Barnes on the left, but his shot flashed just past the post. Two more replacements, Joe Willock and Lewis Hall, then combined to create a chance for Isak, whose header was cleared. Moments later, Barnes’ cross found Joelinton, but his header was brilliantly kept out by Neto.

But with 75 minutes on the clock, United finally got their reward when Barnes’ deep cross was prodded home at the back post by Gordon, whose run was timed perfectly to meet a superb assist.

Cherries substitute Alex Scott almost put Iraola’s men back in front with a rasping drive, and Semenyo again went close with a deflected effort, while Neto again saved excellently to keep out both Burn’s header and Bruno Guimarães’ curling attempt late on.

The real drama came in stoppage time, however. Substitute Outtara thought he’d won it for Bournemouth after turning in from a corner, but after a VAR check, what the hosts thought was their winner was chalked off in controversial fashion.