Stoke was the perfect test after Chelsea for AFCB

Bournemouth were only four points above the relegation zone before they took on Stoke City and it was a game that came at a good time for Eddie Howe's men. It was always going to be a physical confrontation and Bournemouth were not going to be allowed to play the silky football they managed so well against Chelsea without getting a few boots around the ankles from Stoke's battle-hardened warriors.

AFCB stood up to Stoke City in the end.

In a way, I was pleased that it wasn't going to be a game of pretty football. Bournemouth need to be able to play well against different teams that pose different problems and Stoke City came with a good game plan that was working up to half time. Eddie Howe was very complimentary about Paul Lambert and the way Stoke City placed, especially in the first half. For a team that fell into the bottom three, Stoke were far from short of ideas in how to play Bournemouth.

Stoke pressed very high in the opening 15 minutes and Bournemouth looked out of sorts with Stoke keeping much of the ball with their midfield of Allen, Ndiaye, Shaqiri and Cameron. Ndiaye was particularly impressive and didn't give anyone time on the ball. So Bournemouth had to find away of making it less of a midfield scrap and more of a high-tempo chase, in which Bournemouth were forcing Stoke to defend. It took some time to break Stoke City down and to implement the plan well, but that was the challenge and Eddie Howe found the key in the end with Lys Mousset and Josh King.

If Bournemouth can win tight games as well as run away with other matches they have to be in a good place right now. But they should try and enjoy the moment, because we all know what it feels like when things are not going so well.

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