AFCB: the boys are back in the groove!

Football is easy when the players are confident. Nothing was going to stop Bournemouth from getting a win at the Amex, and it took the hurt of recent defeats to stir the Cherries into action. What was pleasing for me about the game was not that just one or two players sparkled but the whole team worked together to get the result they ended up deserving.

Teamwork.

Eddie Howe was determined that his side was going to perform at the Amex. Pre-match he was promising that the team would play with more of an identity and they delivered. It wasn't all easy going though and the first half was perhaps made more difficult by the inclement weather conditions. What can't be denied though was the way the team shut out Brighton in that first 45 minutes.

Once AFCB had got their lead, it made things much easier. Brighton had to throw men forward and Bournemouth could play on the break. This is what helped the passing to flow more and with Brooks and Fraser taking up intelligent positions they kept springing away with the ball and making opportunities.

Advertisement

Coastal Garden Buildings

Match of the Day highlighted the role of Callum Wilson. He found plenty of space and while he only scored the one goal he was excellent again at making chances for others and distracting Dunk and Duffy. Nathan Aké was also enjoying his role as left back and getting forward as often as he could. Aké may well have found himself a position for the rest of the season, there on the left.

What I also enjoyed was the goal celebration as every player joined in. The boys did it together and they all wanted to contribute to the team win.