Sunday 7 February 2016

Frustrating Arsenal will be the Cherries pleasure

Arsenal have been creating an immense amount of chance in games and while they did not find the net against Southampton it is now the turn of another south coast side to make things difficult for the Gunners. Keeping a clean sheet though has been a big test in itself for the Cherries and to do that they are going to have to put in a performance that is even better than their last home game when they may have won comfortably, but had to concede possession without losing concentration.

It is fair to say that AFCB's possession football will be challenged against Arsenal and it will be a fascinating midfield tussle on the tight Dean Court pitch. AFCB will go at Arsenal and attack down the flanks and it is probably the Cherries best chance of success, whereas Wenger will know that set pieces have been a problem for AFCB and drawing fouls in and around the Cherries' box is something Arsenal are likely to do well. Defending corners is an area where Artur Boruc and his defenders are going to have to be extra vigilant, but they can look to break fast from such situations when they do win the ball.
The Cherries have not been beaten by any team
home and away yet - Arsenal are trying to break that record 
having eaten AFCB at the Emirates stadium.
Pace is something that no centre half likes but AFCB can certainly get at Per Mertesacker in this way if he plays and it may be a game where a second half appearance of Junior Stanislas or Josh King would be very effective if Arsenal over commit in going forward. The leading goal threat for AFCB will be Benik Afobe and getting service to him in the box is going to be vital, as Petr Cech will be very difficult to beat from distance. 

What Howe does not want to see is any gifted goals. It is important that AFCB look to frustrate and get Arsenal to do the things they don't want to like running back towards their own goal. Against the big teams you just can't afford to give them a head start. Having taken some points off of Leicester, Man Utd and West Ham though, the Cherries know that they can get chances against teams in the top six. At home there has only been three wins for AFCB so far, despite there being only three Vitality games where they have failed to score. So there is a good possibility that the Cherries will get a good chance of a goal, but the bigger question we hope is, if they do get ahead, can they defend a lead against a top side like Arsenal?  

Enjoy the game! UTCIAD!

Premier Talk has an article that comments on yesterday's top of the table clash – Bellissimo Leicester!

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