The Cherries are short on pace

It is unusual for Eddie Howe to make two subs at half time. In the Southampton match he had little choice though. Without pace in the side AFCB looked static and were easy to pick off, never really getting their passing or quick attacks going early on at St Mary's. 

In home games it has been King and Murray that have been the main option that has provided the platform for Bournemouth's attacks. Away from home though, with one up front, the team can't create space quickly enough with their movement in midfield to find Murray and then give him options to keep moves going. But Howe will want Murray on the pitch as he is one of the players that is going to get goals. The difficulty is finding a way to play away from home with Murray in the team and yet not leaving themselves weak in midfield.

Glenn Murray was withdrawn at half time as he was not getting
 balls given to his feet and he was not able to chase after long balls over the top.

The return of Harry Arter may well add more stability to central midfield, but while Harry is no slouch he is not the quickest. He'll need to be able to pick passes for players like Stanislas and Ritchie, while driving forward himself. But the player that does have the pace to turn past defenders is still not getting a look in yet. It is Tokelo Rantie. I wonder how long it will be before we see him on the bench a bit more often? 

At the moment, Eddie is sticking with Stanislas and King for pace. They have now become more important in the overall strategy, at least up until January when Howe can dip back into the transfer market. Tomlin and Kermorgant are other considerations, but it's the players with pace that give the team more of an out ball and that is something they struggled with away at Southampton until the second half.