The defeat to Liverpool caused concern not only for the subdued performance, but the post-match comments from Nathan Aké admitted that energy levels were not what they should have been. I can understand that energy might be a problem at the end of a season, but we are now approaching the busiest period of the year and to play against Liverpool, Chelsea and Man City AFCB need to be at their physical peak and not at a low ebb.
There are several players that have not been playing much though and they do deserve their turn. To be fair it was some of the regulars that didn't play well enough on Sunday, like Simon Francis and Lewis Cook. So as we look ahead to the Carabao Cup we should see Eddie wield the axe again, but this time he will expect to have players that can at least run for the best part of 90 minutes. I don't think the energy levels were good when the side was 4-0 down, but some of the sloppy attempts at tackling in the first half contributed to the scoreline against Liverpool.
Eddie needs the players to be better with and without the ball, he says. They may have looked weary from the run around that Liverpool were giving them, but they have to dismiss that feeling pretty sharpish if they are not to get thumped by Chelsea as well. I think fans have to be realistic in this period of games, we are going to lose some, if not all of them, in December but the important thing will be to stick with the players and come out stronger in the New Year. They have to give more though to keep the fans on side.
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| Who is shattered? Are they really just out of form? |
I still can't see why Eddie Howe was surprised that the team was so inconsistent compared to how they played against Man Utd earlier last week. He made too many changes if he didn't want to risk consistency and I know it is easy to be wise after the event, but so much tinkering with the team is rarely the best policy. Changing all four midfield players was perhaps a step too far. If the players are shattered are they training too hard? If so they are not showing great improvement on the pitch from the training.
There are several players that have not been playing much though and they do deserve their turn. To be fair it was some of the regulars that didn't play well enough on Sunday, like Simon Francis and Lewis Cook. So as we look ahead to the Carabao Cup we should see Eddie wield the axe again, but this time he will expect to have players that can at least run for the best part of 90 minutes. I don't think the energy levels were good when the side was 4-0 down, but some of the sloppy attempts at tackling in the first half contributed to the scoreline against Liverpool.
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Eddie needs the players to be better with and without the ball, he says. They may have looked weary from the run around that Liverpool were giving them, but they have to dismiss that feeling pretty sharpish if they are not to get thumped by Chelsea as well. I think fans have to be realistic in this period of games, we are going to lose some, if not all of them, in December but the important thing will be to stick with the players and come out stronger in the New Year. They have to give more though to keep the fans on side.
Required: Right Back who can defend, Right Centre Half, and a ball winning tackling midfield player; all over 6 foot. What we do not need are more small wingers. Wee man is good enough.
ReplyDeleteTo shift out Ibe on loan-though who will take him on current form? - Highland League is not far enough!!!! We need to find an inspiring, shouting Captain, maybe Steve Cook fits the role.
Simpson to be brought into the first team and play. Build the team around Lewis Cook and reconsider always starting with two wingers -we have gone stale and are too predictable. Lastly we need someone who can threaten with free kicks, at least puting the ball forward, NOT sideways or backwards.
I was surprised by the team set up, particularly as Liverpool's main threat is through the middle or cutting in - as Salah and Coutinho typically do. This might have been a game for an extra central or holding midfielder (eg Arter )and sacrificing a winger or striker. I don't like the term "luxury player", as everyone works hard at Bournemouth, but it probably wasn't the game to start both Ibe and Defoe.
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