Salomon Rondon struck twice as Newcastle United stunned Bournemouth on Saturday.

Loan signing Rondon scored his first league goal for the Magpies after seven minutes and then doubled his tally with a bullet header five minutes before the break to set the stage for a 2-1 win.

Jefferson Lerma reduced the deficit six minutes into first-half stoppage time after Adam Smith had been carried off on a stretcher, but despite mounting a concerted effort after the break, that was as good as it got in front of a crowd of 49,266 at St James' Park.

Afterwards, Toon boss Rafa Benitez said: "We knew that they would be difficult because they have had good form and are doing well. We have to give credit to our players, they were very good. They gave everything and the atmosphere was good.

"We have done well in some games but that was one of the best mentalities and the way we competed for the ball.

"[Salomon] Rondon did well, he has to improve his fitness but he was working well and trying to fight the defenders. He shows what he can do and is giving us something different.

"They changed their play in the second half so we had to change ours and they were losing players to a few knocks.

"We did well, they have pace and ability up front but we had to take chances and finish the game."