Eddie Howe conceded that Bournemouth were better than Newcastle United "all over the pitch" in their 4-1 defeat at St. James' Park on Saturday. 

Bruno Guimaraes' header cancelled out Justin Kluivert's opener, but the Dutchman was able to restore the Cherries' advantage shortly before the break. 

Kluivert then completed his hat-trick in the second half before teeing up Milos Kerkez to conclude the scoring on a memorable outing for Andoni Iraola's side. 

Newcastle entered the game having won their last nine matches in all competitions and knowing a victory over Bournemouth would see them win 10 in a row for the first time ever.

But they were unable to make history, with Newcastle losing by three or more goals at home for just the second time in the Premier League under Howe. 

"We weren't great today, we were beaten by the better team. I was disappointed from the start, physically we didn't look anywhere near our best today," Howe told TNT Sports.

"The games just caught up with us today, we didn't have that bounce in our step that we usually have.

"From our perspective, we have to be critical of ourselves and just say we weren't there today. That wasn't the performances we've seen of late, and we just have to accept that and come back stronger.

"They played very well. They pressed us very well and upset our rhythm, and we didn't adjust to that. We had our moments, but we never felt like we had control like we have in this recent run.

"There is things for us to reflect on and learn on. I have to give them a lot of credit for how they played and the pressure they put us on and their athleticism and that was the standout feature, particularly in the second half.

"We just looked a bit fatigued. That yard of pace we usually have in our usual game we didn't have. It was bitty, and then second half, the game got away from us.

"It will be a period of reflection and analysis, and then we'll have to focus on our next game at Southampton. We have a lot to look forward to, but it is important we digest it today and go again."

For Bournemouth, meanwhile, Saturday's win moved them up to sixth in the standings and just a point adrift of the Champions League places. 

The Cherries have now won four of their last six Premier League away games (drawn two), taking more points (14) away from home than any other team since the first victory in this run on November 30 (4-2 against Wolves).

While Iraola has masterminded wins over Tottenham, Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal in the Premier League already this season, he believes that their win over Newcastle was their best of the campaign so far. 

"It was very good. I am very proud of the players. We played very well and a very mature game. I can't stay a lot. It was a fully deserved win," Iraola told BBC Match of the Day.

"They are a very good team, and you can never feel confident because they always push, but we played a very complete game.

"Until they scored we played very well. We were brave and created chances. We finished strong and hats off to my players. I can't say anything else.

"It is difficult to find a better win, it is very difficult. We came into this game very thin and everybody has played their part and a little bit more. As a manager, you feel very proud.

"We have very young players - centre-backs and a left-back and Lewis Cook playing out of position - and having to deal with top players. They were fantastic.

"I was concerned coming in because the difficulty of the game is very hard. They are flying. I was quite confident because of the second-half performance at Chelsea.

"I saw how we are dealing with the difficult situation. We've been very good."