Surman did not find it a simple return to Carrow Road

Out of all the players in AFCB's team it will have hit Andrew Surman harder than most that the team failed to get a result at Carrow Road. He'll know that when he plays well AFCB tend to play well and that kind of stable factor was absent for much of the match against Norwich. Out of all the grounds in the Premier League the match at Carrow Road will have been the one where he will have wanted to have shone as a former canary.

Andrew Surman at Dean Court.

Surman has had to do a lot of work keeping the Cherries pushing forward and looking for the penetrative passes that give the team that edge. WIthout Arter next to him he is perhaps taking on more responsibility but he'll no doubt be happier when he can team up with AFCB's number eight again. While Surman has been able to control some of the games so far he did not have all the answers to slow Norwich's advances and he'll be wanting to put that right in the next game.

It seems that Surman has to be the dominant player in midfield
at the moment for AFCB to get wins.

AFCB can't dwell on one performance that was just that bit below the high standards that they have set themselves. Sunderland are now the team that stands in front of them. Whether Surman continues his partnership with O'Kane or not, Surman will be the one that has the play maker role. Some sides may have worked out that by stopping him the Cherries are less effective as a unit and Surman will have to find ways to ensuring that he is getting on the ball and having an impact on the game.   

If the Cherries are going to step up, then Surman is one of the players that Howe will need to see having a big game. We know he can boss a game and this Saturday is a good opportunity to do that. UTCIAD!

Meanwhile, The Bournemouth Echo reports that AFCB are close to signing former Inter Milan midfielder Alessandro Cannataro (20) with Leicester, Crystal Palace and Watford also chasing him. Alessandro has been training with AFCB's Development squad.

I also noticed that the AFCBDirect shop is back online and looking a lot smarter.