Conceding early was a big issue at Old Trafford

Bournemouth didn't get started at Old Trafford just like they fell behind early against Spurs. It is important for the team to get themselves up an running early on and competing with these big teams, but when they find themselves down a goal in the first five to 15 minutes, it deflates the players and most of the pre-match planning needs to be reconsidered.

Begovic was kept busy at Old Trafford from the first few minutes.

Adapting to the situation is perhaps what AFCB are finding hard to do when things are not going as they had planned. The setbacks can galvanise teams like we saw with Wolves recently against Spurs, but Bournemouth are going into their shell when they fall behind and not trusting in themselves to recover the situation.

We have seen Asmir Begovic pull off some great saves, but even he can't stop a storm of shots coming at him which was what it's bee like in the last few weeks. Protecting Begovic has to be the goal of the team now for the next few games. It may mean a less expansive game for a few matches but there is nothing wrong in trying to keep the opposition out just to get the team back on its feet. Once the team can get a solid half behind it, then we can start to ask them to be a bit more expressive.

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At the moment the Cherries are tripping themselves up at the back and the forward players are rushing their chances knowing that every small chance counts in a tam that is conceding so frequently. It is all about relieving the pressure on players at the moment and getting them to do what they are good at again. Starting the game not being a goal down in the first 10 minutes has to be the first step to the road to recovery.

No excuses - AFCB must improve says Howe

Eddie Howe was harsher on the performance at Old Trafford than he was at the Wembley defeat. Technically and defensively he said there was little to take out of the Man Utd defeat and Bournemouth were off their game.

Bournemouth have to get back on the pace.

I didn't like the goals that were conceded at Man United as they looked soft to me, and I think that is what particularly annoyed Howe. The goals at Spurs were more deflections and an individual errors, but the goals at Old Trafford involved the whole team making collective poor decisions. Crosses are not being blocked and when they do come in, players are free to get their head to the ball first. The protection for the back three was just not strong enough. Stanislas, Brooks and Surman in the middle is just not a good balance and the injuries have caused this problem, while Lerma was saved for the Watford match.

Bournemouth did not look in the game at United, even when they got back to 3-1. Keeping in contact when conceding first is not something that AFCB have been able to do of late. But the defenders need to start challenging themselves to work hard for clean sheets and have pride in what they do. At the moment there is perhaps too much expectation of turning in another poor performance rather than thinking of what a good platform the first half of the season has been.

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Until the team starts to think positively they will find it hard to get out of their rut. So let's get them in positive mood for their next game. The big picture of 26 points from 20 games is much better than last season.

Cherry Chimes' Newsletter - out tomorrow
Cherry Chimes' January Newsletter brings you the best stories on the blog and the thoughts behind them from last month. It's out tomorrow with special story - Will AFCB spend in January?
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Pogba unwraps Bournemouth at Old Trafford 4-1

Match Report

Man Utd 4 v 1 AFCB

30 December 2018

Attendance: 74, 556

The Cherries found it tough going at Old Trafford right from the start. Paul Pogba controlled the game and put United 2-0 up, before Rashford added a third and we were not even at half-time. It was a lifeline when Aké headed past de Gea on 45+2 minutes, but comebacks have been in short supply of late for Bournemouth. The presence of Lukaku coming on cut any hopes of a revival for the Cherries and the lead was extended to 4-1, even if there was time for Eric Baily to receive his marching orders for a red card challenge on Ryan Fraser.

Bournemouth made three changes with with King up front while, and Ibe and Rico also coming into the team. Jefferson Lerma and Ryan Fraser were moved to the bench, perhaps with the Watford game in mind, while Simon Francis is out for the season. The formation would be 3-5-2.

No points from the Theatre of Dreams for AFCB.

An early free kick for United floated over Matic and out for a goal kick. Bournemouth were not able to play out form the back and Begovic went long. Ibe and Brooks got a few early touches, but possession was falling to United in the main.

Rashford took on Aké our wide beat him and got to the byline where he beats Rico and has pulled the ball back for Pogba who slides on to make it 1-0 up on five minutes. It was all too simple for United. Rico and Aké looked like statues as Rashford weaved his way past them.

Martial almost made it through the middle but Begovic gets there first. Bournemouth's midfield was non-existent. Bournemouth are not able to get the ball out of their half.

Stanislas and Wilson do well and Ibe gets the corner from Luke Shaw. Trying to set up Rico the ball gets cut out and Man Utd break with Begovic punching to beat Pogba.

Pogba heads looking for Rashford and Begovic sees it just creep past the post, thanks to a touch from Aké. Surman heads it away.

Bournemouth are playing very slowly from the back. They just can't push out. Brooks plays a long ball forward for Wilson to stretch his legs and he wins a throw.  Brooks tries to beat a defender but ends up on his backside.

Bournemouth come forward on 20 minutes with a cross from Rico but Wilson is beaten to the header and united clear. Wilson again on the left finds Stanislas and Ibe. Ibe fires in a cross come shot but it's just wide of the left post.

Meanwhile, Steve Cook gets attention for a head knock. Aké gives the ball away but recovers. Stanislas goes for a long shot but it's well wide. Still, better stuff from Bournemouth. They are starting to string some passes together.

Akee just beats Rashford and plays it back to Begovic. King puts in a good ball and Herrera just beats  Stanislas to it and it's out for a corner on 25 minutes. Aké heads well and it comes off de Gea's chest and shoulder!

Pogba has a go from distance but only finds Begovic's mid-rift. King wins the ball before Surman loses it. United are keeping the ball better again Shaw tips a ball forward for Pogba but Begovic wins the race.

Stanislas to Ibe and Brooks, before Ibe gets it back. Bournemouth are just losing out on the 50:50 battles, 32 minutes gone. Wilson is not getting a lot of ball up front.

Ashley Young plays it back to Herrera on the right, who  puts in a deep cross from the right and Pogba gets between Akee and Cook and makes it 2-0 on 33 minutes. Pogba beat Begovic with his head to the punch and Bournemouth have a mountain to climb. Pogba simply wanted to get there first and he did.

Ashley Young is carded for a foul on Josh King, over the top of the ball. It's a free kick on the byline. Steve Cook goes for the header and it's a corner off of Herrera. Aké goes down, thrown there by Lindëlof, and King gets targeted by Bailly. Those kind of fouls were penalties in the World Cup last summer.

Long throw and King shoots, but de Gea makes the save top right. Aké has to get a foot in as United come close again. It's a United corner on 40 minutes. Brooks and Wilson break until Pogba intervenes.

Martial wins a free kick off of Aké. Young takes and Matic stands on the ball but runs out of room. Brooks and Shaw beats King in the foot race. Just a couple of minutes to go before half-time.

A cross to the far post from Pogba and Rashford scores to make it 3-0. Bournemouth didn't mark nearly close enough and it's another dismal half for Bournemouth.

Short corner for Bournemouth. They've messed it up, but Brooks recovers. Brooks now, left-footed cross and Aké scores - 3-1. Brooks did well to find Ake's and the header is well placed past de Gea. At least Bournemouth are on the board!

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Second half
Bournemouth win an early long throw with Steve Cook, Stanislas gets ready to hit it but is closed down. Rico stretches his legs but can't quite keep the ball in.

Bournemouth are keeping the ball. Shaw gets a good tackle in and Rashford finds Herrera but his shot goes out for a corner. Brooks concedes another corner. Herrera pulls Stanislas' shirt and is rightly booked.

Bournemouth under pressure manage to find touch. Begovic drops a cross but recovers. brooks now and Rico on the left. Stanislas backs off to Daniels and Brooks comes in field. King almost takes a good pas from Akee' but he can't get it under control.

Lingardis flagged offside. Rashfrd over hist his cross on 54 minutes. The subs are warming up. Wilson holds the ball up. Ibe's cross is cleared.

Martial against Steve Cook but it's out for a goal kick. Daniels wins a free kick off of Herrera. Stanislas and King. Rico runs into Matic.

Lingard in down the left and plays it back to Rashford and Pogba. Young is offside. Pogba's back on the ball but Young can't keep the ball in play. Rashford is down, caught by Rico, 63 minutes gone.

Rico gets a foot in. Brooks plays it up to King and Bailly wins a free kick. Pogba is free and plays in Rashford and Begovic makes a good save down to his right.

AFCB bring on Lys Mousset and Ryan Fraser. Brooks is subbed and Wilson goes off to let on Fraser on 65 minutes.

Fraser has lost the ball. United under pressure at the back but Herrera cleared up. Ibe on the right and Mousset goes down in the box but it's no foul. Steve Cook goes forward and King meets it in his stride but the shot hist Bailly's heel and goes out for a corner.

Daniels needs attention having run into Bailly. The studs were right into Daniels' chest area. Lukaku is on and off goes Rashford on 71 minutes.

Pogba plays a ball over the top and Lukaku is on to it and he's beaten Begovic, hooking it past him. It's 4-1 on 72 minutes.

Lingard in the box pulls it back to Pogba and his shot is touched onto the post by Begovic's right hand. Man United sub Herrera and bring Pereira on after 76 minutes. Lukaku and Aké in a race and Aké puts the ball out.

Fraser is caught by Eric Bailly and he's off - red card on 80 minutes. United are down to 10-men. 

Martial is replaced by Phil Jones on 82 minutes. Aké is coming off and Tyrone Mings replaces him.  Mousset and Stanislas and United have it on the break. 

Fraser plays it up to Surman who has a shot but it's wide. We are just playing out time now. Rico puts in a cross straight to De Gea.

Four minutes of time have been added. Pogba has a shot blocked.

Summary
This was a better attempt by Bournemouth in an away fixture than their previous outing. Picking points up at a top six team still too much for AFCB. This time they got a goal but Howe will not be impressed with some of the goals that were conceded even with United's talented front players. The lack of a regular central-midfield pairing is starting to show and the defenders are finding themselves exposed too regularly. But Bournemouth found some passing again in this game and will be pleased to have a home match coming up against a mid-table team.

AFCB line up

Boruc, Simpson, Mings, Lerma, Fraser, Mousset, Defoe.

AFCB Ratings
Begovic 6, S Cook 6, Aké 6, Daniels 5, Ibe 4, Surman 4, Brooks 5, Stansilas 4, Rico 6, King 5, Wilson 5

Cherry Chimes' MOM: Steve Cook just, but Aké recovered well after the first goal.

Referee Watch Lee Mason: 2/10 AFCB could have had a penalty with another referee - Aké should have been awarded a penalty and Daniels took a high foot from Eric Bailly in the box.

Man Utd
De Gea, Young, Bailly (sent off 80), Lindelöf, Shaw, Herrera (Perairre 76), Matic, Pogba, Lingard, Rashford (Lukaku 71), Martial (Jones 82)

Man Utd Subs
Jones, Mata, Lukaku, Pereira, Romero, Fellaini, Darmian

Howe needs to make wholesale changes for Man Utd

I felt the team looked very tired against Spurs and not really up for the fight. There have been a lot of games and Howe usually says he will use the squad, when the players need to be rotated. Well, looking at the fixtures with only a couple of days between the Man Utd and Watford home game, is it time that Eddie played the sensible card and threw his lot in with the Watford match and took at hit against Man United by fielding a weaker team?

Tyrone could be back in line for a start against Man Utd.

It doesn't seem the Bournemouth way, but there needs to be changes after a 5-0 defeat. If you say such a loss is okay and the same players can go again, it doesn't send a good message out to the squad in general and other players that are trying to make their mark. Okay, it's Man Utd next and probably a team that you would not want to play a wakened side as another pounding score line will dent morale further. But at least it would mainly be different players and some of Bournemouth's regulars would feel slightly more detached from the result.

I see no reason why Artur Boruc can't be given a start as he is a big occasion man as Howe has said. And Tyrone Mings and Jack Simpson have been patient enough and put in good performances whenever they have been called upon. Meanwhile, Jermain Defoe just hasn't played any football and  his experience would be good to utilise in a place like Old Trafford. But it might be time for Lys Mousset to get a full 90 minutes. Why nit? Let's see what he can do.

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The bonus from doing a few changes is that the team would have fresh legs for Watford and they know that is a game where they have a better chance of picking up three points. But keep on playing the same players with just a couple of days rest is asking for trouble.

AFCB TV Preview

 

AFCB possible team line up

AFCB Subs: Begovic, Simpson, Rico, Daniels, Stanislas, King , Defoe.

Rival Lines: "Pogba is brilliant and frustrating in equal measure"

Rival Lines
Match Preview: Man Utd v AFCB
Blogger Interview: Old Trafford Faithful
Twitter: @OTFaithful

Over the Christmas week, I got in contact with Jordan at the Old Trafford Faithful website for some pointers on what the mood is like now at Old Trafford following the departure of José Mourinho. Somehow, I think this game is coming at the wrong time for Bournemouth and a very good time for Man Utd, which is the luck of the draw. But Bournemouth will always look forward to taking on the likes of Man Utd in what should be another game with plenty of goals.

CC: Was it right for Mourinho to go now?

OTF: I think so. Personally, I've given him all my backing even through the bad times this season, but you could just tell the players had stopped playing for him, and once that happens, his sacking was inevitable.

CC: Has the mood changed already at Old Trafford or do you think it will take a while to bring back the fun factor?

OTF: Instantly, it just felt like a happier place. Whether it's due to Mourinho going or Ole arriving, or a combination of both, who knows.

CC: What do you think about how United played in Solskjaer's first two games against Cardiff and Huddersfield?

OTF: The intent is there. At United, all we ask for is giving it 100% and having a go, we've seen that recently so we have to be happy.

CC: If Ole Gunnar Solskjaer got United int the top four in his six months in charge would you want him to keep the Man Utd manager's job?

OTF:  My heart is already set on Mauricio Pochettino. I worry about Solskjaer in the long-term. Unfortunately, I think he's a very limited manager and as the season goes on I think we'll start to struggle more and more.

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CC: Would you like to see Solskjaer given money to spend this January or can the changes wait until the summer when perhaps a more experienced manager is in place?

OTF: It's tough where transfers are concerned. With him being only in the job in the short-term, I don't think he'll get money to spend. This is a good squad but it's not a title-winning one. Perhaps give him a little bit of cash, but maybe limit the age of the players he can buy and ensure that we don't overpay at any cost.

CC: Most of United's problems have come in defence. What do you think Solskjaer might do first to try and halt the amount of goals United are conceding?

OTF:  It all comes back to confidence. Victor Lindelof is a good defender, Eric Bailly was amongst the best in the country during his debut season. If you play those two, I think you've got a real base to build from, but Phil Jones and Chris Smalling just aren't good enough.

CC: Is there reason not to sell Paul Pogba?

OTF: Simply put, he's the most talented player at the club. He's brilliant yet frustrating in equal measure. If we're to win titles in the short-term, he'll be key, but he has to show more consistency.

CC: Which players need to be moved on as soon as possible?

OTF: Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Antonio Valencia, Matteo Darmian. Attack-wise, this squad is strong. The midfield could do with a little bit of TLC, but it all starts with a good defence.

CC: What has been the most disappointing result for Man Utd fans this season and why?

OTF: The defeats to both Liverpool and Manchester City hurt, don't get me wrong, but the home game against Tottenham Hotspur was appalling. 3-0 down and it looked like the players didn't have a care in the world.

CC: What is the real feeling about Lukaku among the fans at United - are they split about him – is he good enough?

OTF:  I'm a Lukaku fan, but right now I'm firmly in the minority. He has been dreadful this season but he knows where the back of the net is. Perhaps Solskjaer can help bring out the best in him.

CC: What do you make of Bournemouth this season?

OTF: Brilliant. I love Eddie Howe and he should be in the conversation to potentially get the job at Old Trafford (although he'll probably come up short). They play good football and they entertain people. That's what it's all about.

CC: What injuries do you have ahead of the Bournemouth match?

OTF: Smalling is definitely out, while Lukaku and Martial could return. Sanchez may be on the bench but I doubt he'll play.

CC: There has been a lot of interest in Nathan Aké from United. Do you think it would be a good time for him to come to Old Trafford?

OTF:  I think he's a talented young man. If I'm being picky, I wish he was a few inches taller, but positionally he looks great and he loves a tough tackle. He was super against us earlier on in the season.

CC: What is your score prediction for the game?

OTF: I'll go 3-1 United, in a close game.

CC: Thanks Jordan for letting us in on some of your thoughts on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in particular. The Baby Faced Assassin might not have the experience yet to really be a manger to insight fear in the opposition, but he has already got Ma United up and running again. This will be just as hard for Bournemouth as the match against Spurs and with our defenders and midfielders falling like flies, it may be just a victory to get through the game without losing any more players at the moment for AFCB. Here is hoping to AFCB closing out 2018 with one of their best games of the year.

Please check out more of Jordan's views at Old Trafford Faithful.

Competition
Send in your score predictions to @CherryChimes before midday. We will pick a winner from the correct entries to receive a Cherry Chimes T-Shirt.

Charlie Daniels has to recover his form

The match at Wembley was a difficult one for Charlie Daniels. He was clearly culpable for the second goal and found himself detached from Kyle Walker-Peters time after time. It was sad to see, because Charlie hasn't become a bad player, he just hasn't got the legs to keep pace with some of the very best anymore in my opinion.

Charlie can up his game.

What does Eddie Howe do though? Daniels has been a first-rate servant for the club and I can only praise Daniels for what he has done for the club. But against Wolves he also made a poor judgement that cost Bournemouth their first goal. It is not just Charlie though. We have seen Steve Cook have similar games, and the mistakes are as common place as ever when Bournemouth are playing teams that can punish you for choosing the wrong pass or making a poor clearance.

If Charlie watches back his game against Spurs, he'll find it hard to enjoy many moments. He did try and make up for his mistakes though and came close to scoring with a header in the first half, while he launched a rocket of a shot in the second half that everyone half expected to take the net off the goal. Sadly, it wasn't to be.

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Charlie has to come back from this, but he has to do it soon. We need a big performance if he is to play against Man Utd. It may be that Diego Rico is given some games to give Charlie a break, but I feel the time has gone when AFCB can rely on Daniels to play quite so many games. Something needs to change in AFCB's defence. It doesn't have to mean dropping Daniels, but he has to get a better game in if he is going keep his place for much longer. 

AFCB on right-back lookout

Now that it is apparent that Simon Francis is out of action for some six to nine months, there is an even bigger need to find a new right back. While Jordan I've or Ryan Fraser could fill in, they would not be a permanent solution and playing three at the back for most games is not going to offer enough flexibility.

To have Francis and Adam Smith out for a long period is a major blow to AFCB's hopes.

So I'd imagine that Bournemouth are already scouring the Championship, Europe and perhaps further afield for a right-back. Picking an experienced British player would be ideal, or a young international who needs more first team football in the Premier League. There won't be many around and even fewer with an acceptable price.

Let's look at some top right backs in the Championship, just for an example. How eager would Leeds Utd be at releasing Luke Ayling, or Norwich City allowing Ivo Pinto to leave their club when they are chasing promotion? AFCB will have to pay silly money even for a loan deal, but finding a top club willing to sell will be a challenge.

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Bournemouth's record of cruciate ligament injuries is something that perhaps needs to be looked at in greater depth. Too many players have sustained these injuries now and the training or repetitions that players are doing might be making them more susceptible to picking up such injuries. While every injury is unique to that player, we can't deny AFCB have had more than their fair share of cruciate ligament breaks.

Whatever the reasons for the mounting injuries, replacements will be needed and this is where we will see if AFCB's scouting system has become one of the best in the Premier League.

Competition
Send in your score predictions for Man Utd v AFCB to @CherryChimes before midday on Sunday. We will pick a winner to receive a Cherry Chimes T-shirt from the correct entries we receive.

Dofoe on his way?

The Bournemouth Echo reported that Jermain Defoe would have discussions this week with Eddie Howe about whether he would be moving this January having not found first team football at AFCB. It has been almost like a guest role for Jermain being at the club, and while he has honorary status, he still believes he has football in his legs and can contribute, so for him to be sitting on the bench must be sole destroying and I can't blame him for wanting a move.

Jermain's time at AFCB could be coming to an end.

Jermain has made just four substitute appearances in the Premier League this season compared to 24 appearances last season of which 13 were as a sub. He has been sidelined and has fallen behind Lys Mousset in the pecking order.

With a few clubs looking for extra fire-power up front there is no surprise that Defoe believes he can go elsewhere to get some games. That could be at a club like Crystal Palace in the south or even back to West Ham in the capital. Jermain would be welcomed at many Premier League clubs that are in need of more goals.

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But my concern is if Defoe does go for a loan period or a permanent transfer out of Bournemouth, it leaves Eddie Howe needing to bring in another striker himself at a time when he has enough problems in recruiting defenders and midfielders in this window. AFCB have a real injury crisis on their hands now with Simon Francis being ruled out for the rest of this season. Managing the gaps is becoming a real strain and comparisons can start to be drawn with AFCB's first Premier League season when it was a real problem to field players in their normal starting positions.

If Defoe does go, I wish him all the best. But finding a replacement with Defoe's Premier League experience is not going to be possible in January.

Bournemouth were a million miles from Tottenham's performance

I got the impression that the Christmas fixtures had rather caught up with Eddie Howe's squad against Spurs. The result against Brighton had been an important one, but the team just had little to offer up at Wembley and the difference in class was quite astonishing.

AFCB were hardly on the same level as Tottenham at Wembley.

Whether the players had just run out of steam is difficult for us fans to judge, but it was not a normal gutsy Bournemouth performance. It was mediocre at best and it made me think what will Howe do against Man United after this performance? It was not unexpected that Bournemouth were going to lose the game, but the lack of control in defence and the ease at which Spurs got players into spaces to be able to shoot was far too simple.

I can't imagine Begovic got much out of the game and probably felt incredibly exposed. He did make a bit of a mess of the fifth goal, when he was on the ground with Kane and Danny Rose, and spilled Lucas Mora's shot, before Son Heng-Min was able to pick up the pieces. At that point Bournemouth had already resigned themselves to a heavy defeat and while there were only two goals in the second half, Spurs could have pressed the game harder to get more goals. Subbing Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen before the end was a measure of how far Spurs were ahead in every respect.

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Bournemouth have to look at themselves and ask is this the kind of performance that a team vying for a top 10 finish can repeat against another top six team and feel confident that they are still going to hang on to a top half finish? I'd say not. And they have a big game up at Old Trafford against another in form team where they have to show considerably more than this performance.

Heads went down against Spurs

Nathan Aké was honest in saying that there was 'not enough fight' against Spurs. Bournemouth heads went down very quickly and defending was very poor. It is no wonder that Aké felt that the spectacle became embarrassing and a sloppy performance.

Bournemouth have to show more ability against the top teams than this.

It was a limp performance by the Cherries at Wembley. Eddie Howe can point towards a few missed chances but really Bournemouth were not in the game once they had conceded the first. The defending was diabolical at times with Charlie Daniels having a game to forget and none of the players getting anywhere near tight enough to the Spurs players who could pick their spot with their passes with hardly any pressure on the ball.

There was almost a sense of acceptance once the score was 2-0 that there was nothing Bournemouth could do to turn the tide. The players just fell back deeper and when they did attack they left nice pockets of space that Spurs could exploit on either wing.

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Bournemouth's finishing was also poor. There were good chances for Brooks, Daniels, Mousset and Stanislas to get on the score sheet but none of them managed to beat Hugo Lloris. On a day when AFCB needed to be at or near their best it was just about the worst performance of the season and if Spurs had really played well it could have been a much bigger score line as most of their goals came from Bournemouth's inadequacies rather than Spurs players doing exceptional things.

I wish I could say something positive but it is a game AFCB need to forget very quickly.

Bournemouth totally crumble at Spurs 5-0

Match Report

Tottenham 5 v 0 AFCB

26 December 2018

Attendance: 45,154

The two teams line up o the enormous Wembley pitch. 

There was no surprise by this being a massive challenge for Bournemouth who hadn’t taken any points from the top six this season, but the pounding they got was fairly self-inflicted at times with individual errors and deflections that soon took the game away from them. It was embarrassing at times, because Spurs’ weren’t playing at top form. They still had miles too much skill for the Cherries who looked completely out of it after 30 minutes. Three first half goals was effortless for Spurs and it was just a case of how many more they would get before the final whistle. Bournemouth were a sorry state and have an inferiority complex against the big teams. They have to sort it out, because it is Man Utd next and they don’t come much bigger than that.

Bournemouth lined up 4-5-1 with Wilson the lone striker with Josh King dropping to the bench and Fraser coming into midfield.

Sorry we don't have many pictures. I was a victim of the Spurs/Wembley bag control which the stewards were enforcing despite the fact that my sandwiches and camera are not considered a lethal weapon by the majority of people. May be they should make it known to away supporters not to bring bags before they get to the ground, rather than imposing a £10 fine on fans? Just a thought.

It was a bright start by Bournemouth with Surman getting into advanced positions even if he could not muster a shot. Lucas Mora was keen to get into Bournemouth’s box but slipped at the crucial moment.

Bournemouth were playing to a game plan with everyone behind the ball and just Wilson as the sole striker. Steve Cook was tackling well and conceded the first corner on Son-Heung Min.

Brooks fouled Danny Rose as Spurs came more into the game. Daniels then lost possession when he could have made a simple pass to Fraser. Daniels then conceded possession again on 12 minutes.

Bournemouth played a good move with Brooks and Francis linking well and the cross came to Lerma but Fraser got in his way and the ball fell harmlessly to Lloris.

From a throw, Lerma found Brooks who made a shot but it was easily saved by Lloris.

Matters went against the run of play when Sissoko made a powerful run and Kane took over before passing to Eriksen who made it 1-0 with a deflected shot beating Begovic on 16 minutes.

Rose put in a long cross into Walker-Peters but it was just too fast for the Spurs player to get a good connection on. Surman had to make a block to concede another corner.

Fraser lost out to a big shoulder barge by Sissoko. Spurs came forward again with Daniels giving the ball away on the left to Walker-Peters and Son Heung-Min had the space to fire in a second goal, deflecting off Lerma to make it 2-0 on 23 minutes.

Bournemouth were having a crisis of confidence. Francis’ back pass almost made a good through ball to Kane. Steve Cook was still tackling back well on Son Heung-Min. Fraser was getting crosses in but not finding Bournemouth players.

Walker-Peters got in behind Daniels and squared the ball to Lucas Moura who had an easy job to slide the ball past Begovic for 3-0 on 35 minutes.

Bournemouth were still getting up the field but Stanislas skied his shot when Fraser had past to him in a good position. Brooks made a pas for Stanislas as well but the low shot on the left was an easy save for Lloris.

Sissoko won a corner next but Begovic caught it cleanly. Francis didn’t make it to the end of the half and had to be subbed for Rico to come on and with four minutes of extra-time, Lerma was yellow carded and Bournemouth won a corner.

Fraser made a cross from the right in the final minute of the half that Daniels could then only head right at Lloris.

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Bournemouth attacked at the start of the second-half with Fraser, until Wilson went over against Foyth. A Bournemouth corner was cleared by Foyth.Fraser was filing in as right-back now.

A moment of excitement for Bournemouth fans followed with Rico putting in a great cross from the left that Stanislas steered past Lloris but the offside flag went up on 64 minutes.

Aké fouled Lucas Mora and Kane took the free kick over the wall but it was an easy save for Begovic.

Fraser’s crosses were still caught by Lloris. A Bournemouth corner then made a good counter attack for Spurs with Eriksen providing a chip for Kane on the left and he volleyed a shot past Begovic for 4-0 on 61 minutes.

Bournemouth came close to scoring when a tackle by Brooks span off to Stanislas but his shot was blocked. Wilson then made way for Mousset on 67 minutes.

Son Heung-Min crossed but Begovic got down to keep it away from Tottenham feet. At the other end Rico crossed for Mousset who headed well but just past the left post on 69 minutes.

Another Spurs’ attack and Begovic went to ground with Kane and he ball came out eventually to Lucas Mora who hit a shot that Begovic Spilled and Son Heung-Min snapped up Spurs’ fifth goal.

Bournemouth’s fans were pretty quiet by now and resigned to a heavy defeat. Brooks still managed a corner on 74 minutes, before he was subbed for Josh King.

Son Heung-Min picked up a yellow card for pulling back Stanislas and Stanislas later had a shot and a penalty shout that was turned down by the referee.

Kane was subbed on 77 minutes and Skip came on. King was in the box but the ball would not drop for him. It did fall to Daniels who hammered a drive fractions wide of the right post on 80 minutes

Winks was booked before Son Heung-Min was subbed and Llorente came on for the last three minutes. In the added time Rico fired over, before Daniels cross fell to Stanislas who shot wide.

An awful day for AFCB. 

Summary
Bournemouth were well and truly thrashed by Spurs which was half expected, but Bournemouth didn’t really turn up after they lost confidence from the errors they started to make after 15 minutes. Why that happened after such a good start is hard to fathom. Bournemouth were having the better of the play, but the defence has some serious issues on the left side, while Francis is now injured on the right side. None of the players could come off the pitch saying that they put in a reasonable game. It was way below par and it is a shame that Bournemouth didn’t show what they are capable of. This was a bad day on a big pitch against a good side. And all of AFCB’s inadequacies were well and truly magnified by a Spurs side that only had to find one chink in the armour before the goals flooded in.

AFCB line up

AFCB Subs: Boruc, Mings, Mousset, Ibe, Rico, King, Defoe 

Spurs
Lloris, Rose, Walker-Peters, Alderweireld, Sissoko, Foyth, Winks, Lucas Mora, Son Heung-Min (Llorente 87), Eriksen (Davies 84), Kane (Skip 77)

Spurs Subs
Trippier, Lamela, Llorente, Gazzaniga, Davies, Skipp

Bournemouth won't play much worse than this all season. 

AFCB Ratings – a bit more detail as nobody shone
Begovic 4: Didn’t get near any of the goals, but didn’t have much chance to stop them really with the deflections. Only the fifth goal was a case of him spilling a shot.
Steve Cook 5: Got a few tackles in and kept Harry Kane quiet for much of the game
Nathan Aké 4: A bit anonymous when getting the blocks in for once not his best game
Charlie Daniels 2: A game to forget, could have made up with a final blast at goal. Good to see he gave his shirt away – he won’t want it back!
Simon Francis 4: Found it tough against Son Heung-Min but Bournemouth will miss him if he has to sit out games now.
David Brooks 5: Did get forward and had an early chance to score but fairly quiet.
Junior Stanislas 3: Got in good positions but disappointing finishing
Jefferson Lerma 5: Picked up a yellow card again but didn’t stop running
Andrew Surman 4: Starting to lack pace and enough power to cope with this kind of opponent
Ryan Fraser 6: Still a bundle of energy, the best outfield player for Bournemouth
Callum Wilson 5: Kept his head up and looked for goals but had a game where the ball was down the other end for much of the match.

It was good to get away from Wembley. 

MoM- Ryan Fraser, not a day for Bournemouth players.

Referee watch: 5/10 Chris Kavanagh: A reasonable game, but AFCB were never going to get decisions in an environment when Spurs had most of the possession.