Monday 29 October 2018

The best defensive spell for AFCB

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.
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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

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