This is a fan’s personal view of AFC Bournemouth from the outside looking in. It reports on the daily official activities reported by the club and comments made by individual fans on social media and fanbase websites. Life as an AFCB fan is never dull. As a life-long supporter of the Cherries, it is the friendliness of the staff, fans and my enthusiasm for the club that inspired me to write this blog.
Eddie Howe didn't hold back in blasting both barrels at his team that scraped through to a Quarter-Final in the Carabao Cup. He stressed that the players were not mentally right and that wasn't good enough for the manager who could only admit that he was disappointed with a lot of the players' performances on the night.
Fraser and Wilson had to give AFCB fresh legs.
"It's a game that I won't look forward to watching again," said Howe. Indeed, the fans may be lucky in that we don't have to force ourselves to relive the moments when AFCB's players looked more like a penned in rabble of chickens pecking at the ball, than a top six Premier League side, while the Canaries had the swagger of a team that enjoyed trying to take down Premier League scalp.
"It was a tough evening, Norwich were excellent," said How. But the underlining feeling was that Bournemouth were 'well under power' in their performance, and if Boruc and the woodwork had not been there, Bournemouth would have exited the Carabao Cup more often than not with a performance like the one they gave against Norwich.
At least Howe did not duck from the fact that only Pugh and Stanislas of the outfield players could be pleased with how they played. "There's no excuse for us to say we chucked players in, said Howe. "That's not how we work." Howe pointed to the acknowledgement that there was something wrong with the players mindset going int the game. "We can do a lot better than that!" said a frustrated Eddie Howe. That is a sign that AFCB just didn't hit the standards set by the management team on the night and Howe will rightly ask questions why the layers didn't perform? Still, AFCB do have the comfort of knowing that they dodged a bullet and are through to the next round.
Cherry Chimes' November Newsletter bringsyou the best stories on the blogand the thoughts behind them from last month. It's out tomorrow with special story - Honesty and clarity is what fans deserve on stadium plans. To sign up for the newsletter just complete the form below - like all good things it's free!
AFCB win through to the Quarter-Finals of the Carabao Cup.
On a cold night at Dean Court Bournemouth struggled to find top gear against a very capable Norwich side that should have caused a cup shock. The Cherries scored in the first half however after a rare piece of quality from Junior Stanislas. But Artur Boruc was called upon to make a splendid save from Dennis Srbeny as the half ran out and Srbeny again smashed another shot against the post, in a frantic end to the first half. With Norwich forcing their way back with a well-deserved equaliser from Onel Hernandez, Eddie Howe was forced to bring on Ryan Fraser and Callum Wilson with 30 and 20 minutes to go, respectively. Following a corner, Steve Cook notched up the winner on a night when AFCB had more than the odd scare from the visiting Canaries. Eddie Howe made a whole host of changes as expected but Steve Cook, Simon Francis and Charlie Daniels formed a three at the back, surviving from the Fulham game. It was great to see Marc Pugh get a start along with Defoe. There are more pictures on Match Day Gallery. It was a first half full of mistakes by both teams as they found it hard to play a controlled game. Jordan Ibe was frequently showing poor control and it was Norwich that looked the more promising. On 11 minutes Dennis Srbeny had a good effort go wide as Norwich tried to force the pace. Daniels was pushing forward on the left and supplying ample crosses, but Stanislas couldn't get his shot away and when it fell to Ibe he powered his shot over.
Norwich were not doing much better with Felix Passlack also missing the target on 18 minutes. Pugh almost found away through moments later but was muscled out of it. Free kicks were soon mounting up but more alarming was the poor kicking being shown by Artur Boruc. McGovern in the Norwich goal was just as guilty as he gifted the ball to Marc Pugh. Pugh and Stanislas were getting closer but were seeing their shots blocked, while Onel Hernandez was Norwich's sharpest player coming forward. While Ibe was not finding his shooting boots, it was left to Junior Stanislas to open the scoring with a sublime driven shot into the roof of the net, cutting in from the left side of the box on 39 minutes. The crowd, that had been quiet started to warm to the evening and the Bournemouth players now that they had the lead. A moment later Junior was lucky to escape a card for a sliding foul on Alex Tettey. Norwich then had a great chance with Srbeny having just Boruc to beat, but Bournemouth's keeper smothered the shot and the rebound of Steve Cook bounced just the right side of the post for a corner. Mario Vrancic then did well to get space in the box before shooting inches wide of Boruc's right post. Norwich came close again when Hernandez fed Dennis Srbeny and the ball came off the post! Trybull also went close as Bournemouth kept riding their luck.
Junior Stanisals' goals separates the sides at half time.
Second half
Rico picked up a booking as Norwich's players started to get on top. Christoph Zimmerrmann's pull back on Stanislas led to a free kick on the edge of Norwich's box. Rico and Stanislas lined up for it and Junior hit the wall with his kick. It may be Rico to take it next time! Rico and Stanislas then has some fun with a series of nutmeg's on Norwich's defenders before the referee pointed to a goal kick. But it was Norwich that were commanding the game now, so much so that Fraser replaced Ibe on 61 minutes. McGovern was still kicking poorly, but he was busier than ever now with Fraser supplying crosses. Passlack and Srbeny were lively for Norwich and worked the ball to Vrancic who could only shoot straight at Boruc on 64 minutes. Vrancic did the same again in the next minute following a Norwich corner. It looked like the Canaries didn't have the quality in the last third to score, despite their pressure. Hernandez came close with a strong shot that Boruc moved down well to his left and touched onto the post. Tom Trybull was less accurate shooting well over. The pressure from Norwich finally told when Hernandez beat Boruc from close range on the right of the box on 70 minutes. We had a game ow at 1-1. Defoe was subbed for Callum Wilson as Bournemouth tried to regain the lead. A corner saw Pugh have a shot blocked before Steve Cook was on hand to drive the next shot through the line of players and into the goal to make it 2-1 to Bournemouth on 72 minutes. Fraser was all over the Norwich defence winning corners and flying down the byline with Marc Pugh in attendance. Gosling brought down Vrancic in a good position for Norwich, but Boruc saved well to his left from the free kick which Vrancic took. Pugh and Fraser were simply mesmerising at times with their interplay and soon had the Norwich defenders running round in circles. Stanislas was found with a corner ball on the edge of the box, but hit his drive too high. Srbeny could only hit a weak shot at Boruc when he had the chance to make the Bournemouth keeper work. Buendia came on for Pinto as Norwich threw everything they could forward. Trybull was subbed for Pukki on 82 minutes. Rhodes then replaced Passlack. Bournemouth were defending deep and a groin injury to Francis saw him replaces by Jack Simpson in the closing minutes. Boruc was having to stay alert with Hernandez beating Rico, but only finding the side netting. An added seven minutes was more than was warranted, but Jordan Rhodes missed a great headed opportunity to level from close range. Boruc dropped a corner ball but survived the dangerous moment. Rhodes would have one more headed attempt that he saw go wide before Buendia shot over.
Norwich gave everything and played the better despite losing the game.
Summary Bournemouth were far from their best and were fortunate with the woodwork and Boruc often coming to their aid, but what won this game was Howe's substitutions of Fraser and Wilson. Fraser especially lit the game up on what had been a very mediocre Bournemouth outing. While Steve Cook did excelelntly to get the winning goal my man of the match has to go to Boruc for the saves he made. Only Junior Stanislas threatened to give Howe any reason for including him in a possible starting 11 next match, although Pugh also proved he still has much to give.
Ref Watch: Lee Mason - 6/10 - not too many cards and hardly noticed he was there. Cherry Chimes' MOM: Artur Boruc Norwich City McGovern Pinto (Buendía 68), Godfrey, Zimmermann, Lewis, Tettey, Trybull (Pukki 82), Passlack (Rhodes 87), Vrancic, Hernández, Srbeny Norwich Subs Krul, Leitner, Rhodes, Klose, Buendía, Pukki, Aarons
Cherry Chimes' Newsletter - out tomorrow Cherry Chimes' November Newsletter brings you the best stories on the blogand the thoughts behind them from last month. It's out tomorrow with special story - Honesty and clarity is what fans deserve on stadium plans. To sign up for the newsletter just complete the form below - like all good things it's free!
This afternoon we have a guest post by Richard at City of Yellows who has kindly offered to give an opposition view of tonight's Carabao Cup tie between AFCB and Norwich City.
The Canaries have strong historic ties with AFCB.
My first memories of the Cherries goes back to 1973 as a 12-year-old. City were experiencing the top English league for the second season, which then resulted in manager Ron Saunders being poached by Aston Villa. As a result, Norwich persuaded the great flamboyant ex-West Ham and Torquay footballer, John Bond to head to East Anglia having cut his managerial career as manager of Bournemouth from 1970 to 1973.
The outspoken Bond took Norwich City from the backwaters into headline makers and really put the Canaries onto the national footballing map.
It must have been tough on Bournemouth, who received £10,000 compensation for losing not just Bond but also coach Ken Brown, Ken was also later a hugely successful City manager. There were strong playing movements at that time as Ted McDougall, Phil Boyer, John Benson and Tony Powell all went in the same direction following Bond.
Jokes appeared in the local press to suggest if City needed to sand the goalmouths over winter that Bond would order the sand from the south coast rather than from Great Yarmouth, and that Bond had requested that the City second strip should be changed to the red and black stripes with black shorts!
A Wembley final is getting closer for the side who comes out on top on Tuesday evening. Based on the earlier rounds, both sides are once again heavily rumoured to play their second strings.
Norwich have enjoyed two 3-1 victories so far, initially at home to Stevenage and then impressively beating 'Premiership' Cardiff away. On both occasions Daniel Farke made 10 changes from the preceding league game.
The starters are likely to be current fringe squad members with McGovern in goal, defenders Passlack, Godfrey and Marshall (returning from injury) midfielders Tryball, Vrancic, Hendanez and Srbeny upfront.
Only potentially eight changes on this occasion due to injuries limiting the opportunity to use fringe players. I expect Zimmerman, Lewis and Rhodes to be asked to play again following the 1-0 victory over Brentford at the weekend, City's eighth victory in the last 10 outings.
These cup games are a complete unknown to call the predicted result. There is however a great togetherness building at Carrow Road amongst the squad and the fans. The system and style of play has so far enabled forced key changes in personnel without upsetting the balance of the squad.
It's great to see Bournemouth continuing to deliver quality performances in the Premier League with a stylish young manager who has remarkably produced a settled side that evolves seamlessly.
It should be an entertaining game with two footballing sides.
There has been a bit of a resurgence of form in East Anglia for Norwich City and they sit proudly in fourth in the Championship. Their run in the Capital One Cup has seen them beat Cardiff, Stevenage and Wycombe Wanderers. Manager Daniel Farke is starting to make headlines and so this is no easy game for the Cherries.
Norwich City at Dean Court in January 2016.
The only teams that have gotten the better of Norwich are Stoke City, WBA, Sheffield United and Leeds United - teams that are all jostling for position in and around the top of the Championship. Norwich has some seasoned professionals in their ranks, like Jordan Rhodes, on loan who, scored in the last round of the Capital One Cup against Wycombe Wanderers. Tim Krul is also among their goal keepers, but McGovern has been playing in goal in the cup games. Moritz Leitner is another summer signing like Rhodes and Krul and has been a regular starter in midfield since signing from FC Augsburg. The German influence is also noticeable with Christoph Zimmermann who has been at Norwich since 2017 and is a regular centre-back for the Canaries. Tom Trybull in midfield is another German player that Farke has brought in 2017.
Finish striker Teemu Pekki is the club's top scorer in the Championship on five goals and he was rested against Brentford at the weekend.
Norwich's line up against Wycombe in the last round was 33 McGovern, 24 Passlack, 6 Zimmermann, 4 Godfrey, 2 Pinto, 19 Trybull 34 Thompson, 17 Buendía, 32 Srbeny, 8 Vrancic 11 Rhodes
Three games in a row and three clean sheets! The results against Southampton, Watford and Fulham have accumulated another seven points and Bournemouth are more comfortable at the back than at any other time in their Premier League history.
Pre-Fulham AFCB players were intent on earning another clean sheet.
It helps the defence that the team is playing more attacking football this season and that takes some pressure off of the back line, if the side is keeping possession well. I'd say that Bournemouth are trying to limit the risks they take at the back when playing out and while there are still some moments when we wonder what Begovic is going to do to get the ball clear, he is playing confidently now in goal. Howe made a change in going with a back three at Fulham, but it didn't cause too much difficulty to the players and Nathan Aké just looks better and better every game. Without Aké Bournemouth would be much less sure of themselves at the back, but he is so good at getting to problems first and getting his head or foot in to wrestle possession back to Bournemouth.
This season I think Steve Cook has been more intent on just getting the basics right in inning headers and being in a good starting position to win balls. It's clearly working for him and he does not seem as rushed, which is good to see. Simon Francis has been having to fight hard just to win a spot in the team and I think that demonstrates what progress the defence has been making. There is now some options for Howe with Daniels back to fitness and Rico wanting games. We should also see Mings and Simpson hoping to get playing time against Norwich. So there are lots of positives about the defence at the moment and November will be a good test for them against the likes of Man Utd and Arsenal. Daily Mail - Fans' Verdict Fulham 0-3 AFCB
Bournemouth fans can only be delighted with the form of Callum Wilson. He led the line with great presence against Fulham and was always a problem for Fulham's defenders. He has the ability to score more than one goal in a game, and he is starting to enjoy making goals for others as well. He has become a complete striker and he is starting to get the recognition he deserves now.
Wilson is redefining what supporters believe he is capable of.
I was not nervous for Callum when he picked the ball up to take the penalty against Rico on Saturday. He had missed one earlier on the season against Cardiff ,but he was fully concentrated for this kick and stroked it neatly down the middle which gave Fulham's keeper no chance. I think that certainly helped Callum's game on the day as it meant he had buried the earlier miss from the spot in his mind and he could just go out and try and build on the goal.
His performance was excellent in his build up play and his vision at times to spot passes. Whether he prefers playing up front in a three as he did, with Fraser and Brooks hanging slightly wide of him on each side, it is now a formation that will excite Eddie Howe. I still felt Josh King was missed for his hold up play and strong running, but at least Bournemouth found away to eventually create chances against Fulham and with Callum and David Brooks they took those chances when they came.
The third goal for Bournemouth against Fulham really showed the dominance that Bournemouth had in the end. It had been a tough game, but Wilson was single-minded enough to make sure he punished Fulham when he was clean through. There was no hesitation and he knew where he wanted to shoot. Goalscoring is easy when you are confident, and Wilson is a striker that is seeing a very big goal in front of him at the moment. Ask Fans - David Brooks has already paid off his transfer fee
Bournemouth were big favourites to beat Fulham at Craven Cottage and the score line would suggest it was fairly comfortable. But in a tight first half, only a miss-timed tackle by Fosu-Mensah on Callum Wilson opened the door for Bournemouth. Callum Wilson struck the penalty firmly past Rico to score and Bournemouth had to wait until the second half to extend their lead when Ryan Fraser created another opening for David Brooks to score. With Watford reduced to 10-men, Wilson was again on target in the last five minutes to make the pleasing headline score, but Howe should be more pleased with the form of Asmir Begovic who was cat-like in goal and saved the Cherries a couple of times when Fulham came close to scoring.
AFCB warm up.
Eddie Howe recalled Charlie Daniels to the team as Josh King was unable to play with an injured ankle. The shape of the team changed to 3-4-3 with three at the back and withCharlie Daniels and Adam Smith as wing-backs and Fraser, Brooks and Wilson operating as a top three.
Rokus and Rokus give a Fulham fan preview.
Cherry Chimes talks to Bournemouth fan Dave ahead of the game.
Bournemouth and Fulham walk out.
Fulham immediately felt the force of Bournemouth's attack. An early handball shout off a Charlie Daniels cross was not penalised and Fulham managed to resist the Cherries' early pressure. Aké pushed forward and was unlucky to lose out to a throw when he had attempted a shot. Kamara got down the right to put in a cross that Steve Cook swung at and missed. Seri then lofted a ball up for Kamara, who back peddling, headed over with Begovic having the effort covered. Daniels was keen to get forward and had another shot blocked on nine minutes, but the game changed when Fosu-Mensah brought Wilson down inside the left side of the Fulham penalty box. Wilson kept calm and slipped the penalty away and Bournemouth were 0-1 up. Aké had to be alert to hold off Kamara and with Begovic racing out to stop Kamara, who went down without Begovic touching him, the referee paused before deciding to card Kamara and give Bournemouth a free kick. Francis then made a poor clearance and the ball went to MacDonald, who squared it to Schürrle. The former Chelsea player struck his shot well, but Begovic saved well to his right. Aké then made a clearance after Adam Smith had given the ball away.
Bournemouth won a corner on 25 minutes with Aké again getting forward. A cross from Daniels saw Wilson head over after 27 minutes. Francis then put another cross in with Wilson again heading off target. With Bournemouth controlling possession it was Francis who dug another cross out that Wilson could not quite reach. Fraser was getting heavily challenged and was taking several tumbles for the team. A few minutes after the half hour, he would go down again in the box, but was not awarded a penalty much to his disgust. Fulham attacked and Seri won a corner. Bournemouth looked vulnerable but Schürrle scooped his shot horribly over. Aké covered well to get back at Kamara who decided to stay down as the game went on. Daniels had a shot saved on 27 minutes, before Fosu-Mensah won a corner. Luckily Denis Odoi headed poorly wide from six yards! A free kick on the edge of the box won by Wilson was swiftly cleared and in added time two corners from Fulham were well enough defended for Bournemouth to go in at the break 0-1 up.
Half-time, Bournemouth have their noses in front.
Second half Bournemouth started sluggishly in the second half with Fosu-Mensah having the first shot which went wide. Brooks had some attention to an injury before play continued. Adam Smith was doing well down the right wing, while Wilson did well getting into the box before Brooks failed to make a clean contact and the chance disappeared. Fosu-Mensah then put in a great cross that went right across Bournemouth's box. Fraser was still getting taken out and MacDonald was yellow carded. Fraser was soon up and won a corner that Rico punched uncomfortably away. Simon Francis then hit a stinging drive from 25 yards that Rico pushed away to his right when it had been heading for the top corner! Fulham subbed Le Marchand for Cairney on the hour. Aké then got the better of Kamara. A good chance for Fulham came though when Fosu-Mensah crossed for Mitrovic to head over. Fraser was still winning corners for Bournemouth, while Fosu-Mensah was the most influential player for Fulham. Kamara hit a shot with real venom on 70 minutes but it was too high to worry Begovic. The next move from Bournemouth saw Adam Smith drive out of defence before Wilson kept the move going on half way with an outstretched leg. Fraser benefited and raced away to play in Brooks to his left, after Bournemouth's young ace had intelligently made his diagonal run between defenders. Brooks shot was equally accurate and sped into the goal, under Rico, to make it 0-2 to Bournemouth. MacDonald was yellow carded again for a foul on Brooks and was sent off. Steve Cook was yellow carded shortly after. Kamara kicked the ball away after fouling Fraser but somehow avoided a second yellow card. Fulham hadn't given up but even with another corner they didn't test Begovic. Mitrovic was next to fire over with time running out for the home side. Seri was subbed for Anguissa on 80 minutes and Lewis Cook came off for Gosling. A Bournemouth corner was cleared, but Fraser soon had possession back and played in Wilson who made it 0-3 on 86 minutes. He signed off with his signature salute, Bournemouth were home and dry. There was enough time for Brooks to be subbed and Stanislas to come on. Fraser also went off to enable Defoe to get a couple of minutes. Mitrovic was booked near the end for a poor tackle on Gosling on half way. Three minutes of added time were seen off with Bournemouth able to reflect on their third away win of the season.
Another big away win for the Cherries.
Summary
While Bournemouth won this game well in the end, they did not play with great fluency. The absence of Josh King was apparent and it took a moment from Wilson and Fraser to create the defining moment of the game, when Brooks found himself in the clear to score the second and make the game safe. But chances had been limited. It was pleasing that Bournemouth did finish well in this game though and they were not wasteful. Wilson capped a great game for him with a second goal near the end from Fraser's assist, but Begovic was my man of the match, as he didn't want to let anyone down and to get three clean sheets in a row is a big statement to make, when the Cherries had found it impossible not to concede during most of the early games this season. Cherry Chimes T-Shirt competition - no correct scores this week.
Bournemouth keep Fulham in the bottom three.
Bournemouth go four games unbeaten.
AFCB Ratings
Begovic 8, Francis 6, S Cook 6, Aké 7, A Smith 6, L Cook 6, Lerma 6, Daniels 6,
Brooks 7, Wilson 7, Fraser 7 Ref Watch Andre Mariner: 4/10 Called the penalty and reduced Fulham to 10-men, but Fraser was livid not to get a penalty in the first half. Kamara also should probably have seen red.
Fulham Rico, Fosu-Mensah, Odoi, Ream, Le Marchand (Cairney 60), McDonal (Sent off 74), Seri (Zambo Anguiss 80a), Kamara, Schürrle, Sessegnon, Mitrovic.
Fulham Sus Bettinelli, Johansen, Cairney, Vietto, Christie, Mawson, Zambo Anguissa
In other news, it was a tragic day for Leicester City with their Chairman's helicopter crash and our hearts go out to the club and for those families who have suffered losses. We also wish Glenn Hoddle a speedy recovery having been taken ill yesterday.
Having spend around £100m in the summer, I though that Fulham would be challenging around the middle of the Premier League table this season rather than sitting in the bottom three. Slavisa Jakanovic witnessed a horror show at Cardiff last week and Fulham have now conceded 14 goals in their last three games and 25 in nine games!
6 March 2015 - what a night!
Having had one win in their season so far and just one point from their last five games, I think we can say that Fulham are struggling at the moment. If the prospect of Bournemouth doesn't frighten their players then the fixture after that against Man City will.
Remember last time at Craven Cottage? I think we had a good time!
There is some positive news for the Cottagers in that Ryan Sessegnon is the first Premier League player born in the year 2000 to score in this league. But when it comes in a 4-2 away defeat to relegation rivals Cardiff City, there is little to smile about. If Swansea push their full back up against Bournemouth they will be cruelly exposed. We Have not seen much of Jermain Defoe yet, but this could be his kind of game for a substitute appearance if Bournemouth can get ahead early.
Mitrovic and Schurrle will keep Bournemouth honest, but Howe has to be targeting three points in this away game. Midfielder Tom Cairney is also back training for Fulham. Both teams like to attack so this could be a high-scoring game. But it is hard not to see Bournemouth leaving Craven Cottage on 20 points. Even though the Cherries had a blank last time out, they don't go many games without scoring and chances will come at Fulham.
AFCB possible line up.
AFCB Away Form WLLW Fulham Home Form LWDL Sadly, there is no Rival Lines this week. I'll try and get one organised with a Fulham blogger when we play them at home.
AFCB press conference
Watford press conference
In other news AFCB's match away at Tottenham on Boxing Day will now be at Wembley.
Competition - free to enter Send in your score predictions to win a Cherry Chimes T-shirt. We will pick one winner from those who get the correct score between Fulham v AFCB. Answers must be in by midday - Tweet your score to @CherryChimes
I asked Ted MacDougall what he thought about Bournemouth prospects this season. Could they win a cup or could they stay in the top six? I prompted, hopeful of a confident reply. Ted took a second just to say," It's too much for them. I think, don't get above your station."
Ted tells AFCB fans not to get carried away with thr clubs strong start to the 2018/19 season.
Eek! Okay, I thought, we are not quite Man United or Liverpool yet. I can see that and I think most of the fans can see that it is unlikely AFCB can hang in there for a lengthy time in the top six of the Premier League. But I'd hoped Ted might have been a bit more hopeful of the Cherries getting to a cup final sometime soon. Where Bournemouth have to get it right is quite simple according to Ted, it's in the recruitment. AFCB have to have more successful players that can fit straight into the team when they have the funds to bring in new players. They continually have to be better than what is already at the club.
"I think, if there is improvement ever year and the standard of players improves which you can see, because we don't go after the Lewis Grabban's now, or the Max Gradel's now and I've nothing against them, they are good players. But the standards got better. You are looking at something different now," said Ted.
"If you keep doing that and adding that as you go, the you'll be successful. Especially if you are recruiting well. I mean I was really impressed when we got the Colombian boy - Lerma. Because he is something we didn't have," said Ted. "Nathan Aké as well, he's been a revelation, but it's only a matter of time before he'll go I assume. He won't go in January because they can't let him go then, but if they are going to get £40-50m, well! But then, what are you going to replace him with? I think they need three or four players."
If you would like to read more about Ted MacDougall's career and his amazing football tales make sure you pick up a copy of 'Ted MacDougoal!' , published by Pitch Publishing, with its new Reflections chapter.
