While the goal scorers always get the headlines, Eddie Howe was more than happy to spare a few words for the efforts of Adam Smith and Simon Francis in the win over Crystal Palace. Both have been at the club a long time now and they still manage to find it within themselves to give everything in red and black colours, and this was an especially hard game for them with Zaha and Townsend to mark.
Francis has had a harder time of late and yet he was very assured in his old right-back role. He still has the energy to make long runs and his crossing is as good as anyone from the right side. While he can be caught on his heels at times, Francis is just the player Bournemouth need in tight games where they need someone who is showing fight and determination not to get beaten. Against Zaha, Francis stood up well and even if Van Aanholt got passed him the once to get their goal, he never caved in or looked for an excuse. He kept going and was as happy as the rest of the team to see Stanislas put the winning penalty away.
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Where Bournemouth have looked vulnerable down the wings in passed games they looked a threat going forward and didn't over expose the back line. At home they seem to find this easy to do and if they can find away of playing with as much confidence away from home we will see AFCB in for a strong season.
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| Francis got his game up to full speed against Palace. |
For Adam Smith it was unaccustomed for him to be seen playing at left back with both Rico coming back from injury and Daniels still out. But he managed excellently against Townsend who often had to cut-back inside to try and deliver his crosses, as he was prevented from getting to the byline by Adam Smith. Ryan Fraser also backed Smith up much of the time and it stopped Palace from delivering killer balls into the box.
Francis has had a harder time of late and yet he was very assured in his old right-back role. He still has the energy to make long runs and his crossing is as good as anyone from the right side. While he can be caught on his heels at times, Francis is just the player Bournemouth need in tight games where they need someone who is showing fight and determination not to get beaten. Against Zaha, Francis stood up well and even if Van Aanholt got passed him the once to get their goal, he never caved in or looked for an excuse. He kept going and was as happy as the rest of the team to see Stanislas put the winning penalty away.
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Where Bournemouth have looked vulnerable down the wings in passed games they looked a threat going forward and didn't over expose the back line. At home they seem to find this easy to do and if they can find away of playing with as much confidence away from home we will see AFCB in for a strong season.
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