A dramatic FA Cup third-round tie on Tyneside was ultimately decided by the heroics of goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who propelled Newcastle United into the fourth round with a penalty shootout victory over Bournemouth.
A Rollercoaster of Emotions at St. James' Park
The match, played on a bitterly cold Saturday afternoon on 10 January 2026, was a classic cup encounter that swung back and forth before being settled from twelve yards. After 120 minutes of action ended 3-3, the on-loan Southampton keeper became Newcastle's saviour, saving spot-kicks from Evanilson, Alex Jimenez, and Bafode Diakite to secure a 7-6 shootout win.
The drama was not confined to the shootout. Harvey Barnes had given a much-changed Newcastle the lead, only for Bournemouth to hit back with two quick goals from Alex Scott and David Brooks. Anthony Gordon's late penalty seemed to have won it for the Magpies in normal time, sending the tie into extra time.
Last-Gasp Agony and Ecstasy
In the additional thirty minutes, Harvey Barnes thought he had finally settled the contest, heading home Gordon's deep cross. However, with seconds remaining in the second minute of stoppage time at the end of extra time, Marcus Tavernier struck a stunning equaliser for the Cherries to make it 3-3 and force penalties.
Bournemouth had started brightly, with Eli Junior Kroupi forcing an early save from Ramsdale. Newcastle's Djordje Petrovic was also in fine form at the other end, making a brilliant stop to deny Yoane Wissa. The game opened up after the break, with Barnes scoring a well-worked goal shortly after the restart, assisted by Nick Woltemade.
Sven Botman was unlucky not to double Newcastle's lead when his header crashed against the underside of the bar, and Bournemouth capitalised immediately. Scott's tap-in and Brooks' fine curled finish turned the game on its head before Gordon's late intervention from the spot.
Ramsdale Seals Magpies' Progress
When the pressure of the penalty shootout arrived, it was Aaron Ramsdale who emerged as the definitive match-winner. His three crucial saves ensured Eddie Howe's side progressed in a competition they are desperate to make an impact in.
The victory sets up a fourth-round FA Cup tie for Newcastle, while Bournemouth, managed by Andoni Iraola, are left to reflect on a gallant exit after a match that had everything. The focus for the Magpies now shifts to who they will face next in their quest for cup glory.
