While the Cherries still await their first clean sheet, they were very close to almost getting it at Southampton. Just the one mistake by Steve Cook changed that, but it was the best defensive game for Bournemouth this season. Southampton bombarded Bournemouth's box in the second half and they could not get a clear shot on target that beat Ramsdale apart from the penalty.
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| Bournemouth were under pressure second half but they held out. |
Southampton had 25 shots and six on target against AFCB which certainly kept Ramsdale busy. He was excellent again, but he also had Steve Cook and Nathan Aké clearing just about everything that came into the box. Bournemouth only had six chances all game which perhaps showed that AFCB didn't have a great second half. Still they won the game and showed a different side of their game.
If Bournemouth can continue to defend so well with blocks and reading the opposition's attacks so well then we may see an improvement in the goals against column. That elusive clean sheet could come against Burton Albion, and while it is likely to be Mark Travers who plays in goal and a different back four, AFCB just need to try and get that clean sheet to know that they are doing things well in defence.
There is no doubt that Rico and Stacey have done well in the last two games. They may not be the first choice full-backs normally, but they have taken their chance and give everything in the games against Everton and Southampton. If they can stay injury free it will be a big help to the team, and their understanding and belief in their own abilities will get stronger if the results continue to come and they are getting games. Bournemouth still have improvements to make at the back, but at least they are defending more as a team now and that is what I believe is helping them to get results.
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