Was Dubai trip to blame for Leicester performance?

The fact that many of the Bournemouth squad went to Dubai can't be levelled as the reason for the poor performance at Leicester. Only four of the players who started were at the training camp. More relevant is the fact that so many players were away on international duty, which gave Howe little time to prepare the team, while Eddie Howe also didn't travel to Dubai.

Did the sun put AFCB in too relaxed a position?

The payers are professional and probably knew all they had to to try and get a result against Leicester. They simply didn't gel on the day and the flat performance may be more an indication of what point we are at in the season more than anything else.

Leicester have a good opportunity to pinch seventh place and are seeing a rise in expectations with their new manager. Bournemouth are in mid-table with little to play for but apart from their highest points tally. I don't feel that the Newcastle result still lingered in the minds of the players, but the away defeats of the last few months aren't shaken off easily by just one win.

Advertisement

Coastal Garden Buildings

The fact that Bournemouth's players were playing for their respected international teams had a big impact on the Leicester game. Bournemouth are still getting used to having so many players playing internationals and some had long fights and two matches to play.

It perhaps sets Bournemouth up for a big match against Burnley next weekend when the crowd will want to see more attacking play and a stronger performance.