I was really impressed with Simon Francis' game against Spurs. He has had a pretty average season by his own former standards, but something has sparked him and I think it is the fact that he didn't appreciate the way the team was treated at half time in the Newcastle game. I am not saying that it is good to boo any player during a game, but I think he came out very determined against Spurs to be the best player on the pitch and by playing well he certainly had a major influence on the game.
Whether he can now put back-to-back performances like that together is what we all wait to see. Playing WBA may be even more pressurised than Spurs, if Bournemouth don't find things go their way early on and in this match it is just as important for Bournemouth to start well. Bournemouth tend to like pressure situations and perhaps it will bring out the best in some others as well. But Francis has stepped up his game and if a few more also do that Bournemouth can get the win they need, and then hopefully play with a bit more freedom.
Chimes to Camera - AFCB 1 v 4 Tottenham Hotspur
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| Francis finally finds some form. |
Players react differently to external pressures. The team is confident of avoiding relegation but the Huddersfield and Newcastle games still grate as missed opportunities to climb away from any trouble, and Francis knew that Bournemouth would need something special to live with Spurs. He brought his 'A game' and he was so concentrated that Son Heung-min was just not given a sniff in the first half hour of the match.
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The one mistake Francis did make first half was his foul throw but I can forgive him that. - it was quite amusing. While Francis wasn't bombing down the wings too much he did get into positions where he could support those in front of him and even take the odd shot, I always think it is a sign of confidence when Francis is willing to shoot. He knew he was having a good game and things were working well for him.
Whether he can now put back-to-back performances like that together is what we all wait to see. Playing WBA may be even more pressurised than Spurs, if Bournemouth don't find things go their way early on and in this match it is just as important for Bournemouth to start well. Bournemouth tend to like pressure situations and perhaps it will bring out the best in some others as well. But Francis has stepped up his game and if a few more also do that Bournemouth can get the win they need, and then hopefully play with a bit more freedom.
Chimes to Camera - AFCB 1 v 4 Tottenham Hotspur
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