The fans have been calling for it since day one of this season. Bournemouth's midfield needed rejuvenating last summer but the central positions for Harry Arter and Andrew Surman have been nailed on and it seemed that nothing would break their dominance. So it as a big surprise to see Dan Gosling and Lewis Cook being told to perform against Arsenal while the old guard had a day off.
I can see why Howe has been loyal to his experienced central midfielders. It is true that Bournemouth would not be in the Premier League without the presence of mind that Surman has or the tenacious attitude of Harry Arter in the middle of the park, but sometimes a team needs a change and while I fully expect the old guard to come back at some stage, it is no longer the case that Surman and Arter have a free pass to play games, and that has to be good for the team that they have finally come under threat.
Meanwhile, Dan Gosling has just kept getting better. He was all over Jack Wilshere like a rash on Sunday and was I am sure a real annoyance for Wilshere. But Gosling also breaks play up extremely well, and I lost count of how many times he got a foot in to stop Arsenal on the attack. He was an excellent shield and I felt he helped Steve Cook and Nathan Ake to have relatively quiet games.
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| Harry Arter watches on from the sidelines against Arsenal. |
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| Surman has time to reflect on his recent performances, but will no doubt be trying to get AFCB through to the fourth round of the FA Cup on Wednesday night.. |
Lewis Cook has time to grow into a true great at Bournemouth and he could be at the very start of a career hat may make him an England regular. But it will be important to see if he can hold off the challenges to the staring position he now has, and if his keen eye for assists will bring him more games.
Meanwhile, Dan Gosling has just kept getting better. He was all over Jack Wilshere like a rash on Sunday and was I am sure a real annoyance for Wilshere. But Gosling also breaks play up extremely well, and I lost count of how many times he got a foot in to stop Arsenal on the attack. He was an excellent shield and I felt he helped Steve Cook and Nathan Ake to have relatively quiet games.
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The thrust and vigour of Lewis Cook and Dan Gosling in the centre has given fresh impetuous to the side and now it's up to others to better them. But for once, I don't see Arter and Surman finding it easy to dislodge the new incumbents who must be favourites to star again next Saturday against West Ham.
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