This is why Sven Botman was ‘dropped’ by Newcastle United for Bournemouth clash

Eddie Howe has explained his decision to start Dan Burn over Sven Botman against AFC Bournemouth.

The Blyth-born defender was given the nod ahead of the £35million summer signing, despite the Dutchman starting the last game versus Crystal Palace.

Burn was rested for the visit Palace having played at Liverpool a few days prior.

It was a straight shootout between the pair to start alongside Fabian Schar, and Howe has revealed why he opted for Burn.

Why Dan Burn got the nod over Sven Botman

The Magpies head coach said: “We managed their load in the last week when we had three games, so today was bringing Dan back.

“I just feel his leadership skills and his experience is needed in our team at the moment.

“Sven is going to be an outstanding player and will play many, many games for this club. We love him to bits but Dan just gets the nod at the moment.”

Neither Burn or Schar had a lot to defensively against the Cherries as the two sides played out a 1-1 draw on Tyneside.

The visitors took the lead through Philip Billing before Alexander Isak equalised from the penalty spot - the club’s fifth draw in their opening seven matches.

And as the full-time whistle rang out at St James’ Park, it was a tale of the Magpies lacking in quality and ideas in the final third.

Another game, another draw for Newcastle

“There’s a big sense of frustration in terms of the points we have because the majority of our performances have been very strong and we’ve deserved more from the games but the reality is we haven’t won those games we should have,” said Howe.

“We find ourselves in a position where we’ve only lost once and won once, a lot of draws.

“A lot of games, even similar to today that we had a number of chances, maybe not clearcut chances like Crystal Palace, but a number of chances where we weren’t clinical enough when those moments came.

“In a game like that, you really need to take the lead to try and open up your opponent. Lots of things we didn’t do well enough today.

“The most pleasing thing is we go a goal down and recover and don’t lose the game.”