Changing shape but same passing principles

The Norwich match saw AFCB set up in a 4-5-1 formation which is not something they have done for a while. Neil Adams viewed it as a compliment in changing shape for his team and Eddie Howe admitted that he felt the Cherries needed a stronger midfield to cope with Wes Hoolihan. As it turned out, AFCB managed to retain more of the possession than Norwich but without having such a goal threat going forwards.

Against the bigger teams, it is likely that Howe will set-up similarly to this with Gosling, Arter and O'Kane trying to stifle the opposition and outnumber them by swarming over the midfield area. The ability of Callum Wilson though to take the fight to the opposition as the loan striker is a huge mantle. However, he seems more than capable of ruffling feathers among the opposition's centre backs and will get better the more often he plays that role. 

AFCB's goal against Norwich will be hard as a team goal to beat. 

An incredible 31 passes and Norwich just could not 
get near the ball. You can't tire of seeing this.

It is still hard to see the talent of Yann Kermorgant though on the bench and how often Eddie Howe chooses to do that will be something that he'll consider carefully. Eddie himself said that: "Yann was a victim of the system we chose to play," when speaking on the Norwich game. But that system still relied on a constant that we have seen for many season's now at AFCB - slick passing. Without the control and movement off the ball that AFCB's players now produce, the match would have ended up being one Norwich attack after another. But the principles that Eddie has installed in the team are really shining through and every supporter can see that the Bournemouth players are keen to take the ball in difficult situations, as they know it is the best way of moving opposition players out of place to gain an advantage and space with which to attack.

At home, Eddie has played before with one up front when Grabban was at the club but it looks like Callum Wilson could do be used in that way if necessary. When Yann came to the club, it was back to 4-4-2 more often than not, but we have also seen the Cherries play three at the back when pressing a game, and the flexibility of the players to be comfortable on the ball is what has helped them fit into different systems so well and change their style during a course of a match. Some how though I would expect the team to revert back to 4-4-2 for the visits of Rotherham and Leeds Utd, with Andrew Surman set to make a home return appearance.

Kyle Cotter has been busy ahead of tonight's cup matches. He profiles Southend's Conor Clifford ahead of the Football League Trophy tie with AFC Wimbledon and previews the Peterborough v Leyton Orient Johstone's Pain Trophy match - see Kyle's Cups.

Michael Dunne also released his All Departments' podcast last weekend. If you have not heard it you can listen to the sound bar on the right hand panel on Cherry Chimes or visit All Departments' website to hear more about Norwich 1 v 1 AFCB.