Some 24 hours after the defeat against Man City gives everyone some time to reflect on a game that just got away from AFCB. There wasn't much in the general play that saw Bournemouth struggle and they certainly competed. It was just a few moments when City managed to unlock the door that will haunt Eddie Howe, but he'll know his team put up a strong performance against the Champions.
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| AFCB fight hard but it's not enough. |
Going into the match, what Bournemouth didn't want to see was a one-way procession by Man City. Eddie Howe perhaps has the players now that are more expressive and that could look to tie-up City's main threats, while keeping some possession. It is what AFCB did with that possession which was more pleasing in this match than in previous attempts against City. Bournemouth looked like they could score and in the end they did get one goal past City.
The shot count for Bournemouth was very encouraging with 10 shots and seven on target. That was the point they slipped up on though in not converting more of those seven shots that were on target. Limiting Man City to 19 shots meant about 10 each half, but City only had five shots on target. The problem is that City took three of those five chances.
Getting better at both ends of the pitch is what AFCB will keep working at. But just to be in a game where Man City were tested and given some problems is a good improvement for AFCB. There are some encouraging signs and it's important for the team to go on and beat some of the mid-table teams now to get them moving back up the table.
Yep the shot count has improved and that's fine... but really just papering over the cracks at the back.
ReplyDeleteOur overall defensive organisation collapsed as usual when put under pressure, it was still very poor on the odd occasion City stepped up a gear... which made it relatively easy despite our defending in depth, for them to score as they did.
All the old defensive problems are still very much in evidence and we desperately need a new defensive coach to sort it out.