Why aren't the Cherries taking their chances?

It's starting to get frustrating now to see the Cherries dominate games and get little in return. AFCB are squandering chances in the final third far too often to be real contenders for honours in the Championship if they keep this habit going. I know that the Watford keeper was by far the busiest keeper in the last match, but it takes AFCB at least half a dozen chances to register a goal, while the opposition usually don't need a second invitation when presented with an opportunity to score against the Cherries.

It is easy to overplay in the final third and perhaps the team is still a little guilty of doing that. I still think that more shots are often on than are being seen by the attacking players and it was quite a surprise to see Harry Arter to have a sudden shot when he was far out, but he managed to hit the target against Watford to everyone's delight. Andrew Surman also came close in the second half but as the game went on, I could not see AFCB really looking like getting a second and that is the real headache for Eddie Howe. I mentioned before the match that the Cherries would probably have to score twice against Watford to get something from the game. As it turned out a goal was enough for a point, but AFCB have not scored two goals since their 3-2 defeat at Blackburn, five matches ago! The good thing is, at least the Cherries have scored in every game of their season so far, so something must be right about what they are doing.

Pitman could well get more game time if the goals dry up.

As the team has slipped from its high position in the league, everything gets more closely examined and strikers probably feel more anxious when in front of goal, especially when they know their team is dropping points regularly. The fact that after Callum Wilson, Steve Cook is the next highest scorer is a telling sign that the midfielders need to be making more of their chances. Matt Ritchie, Ryan Fraser and Eunan O'Kane still have not scored yet and they will need to contribute.

For all Bournemouth's good play though, I can't say that they look like scoring four or five goals in a game at the moment. That puts pressure on the defence and as we have seen it has cost them points. So I hope that there are also some shooting sessions coming up because it is easier to win games when you are taking those chances.

Rantie should be trying to get in the squad again this week.

All Departments has released it podcast review of Watford v AFCB so listen in at All Departments' website, or scroll down the side panel on Cherry Chimes to listen in on the All Departments' sound bar.