The performance that AFCB put in against Norwich was better than what they produced at home against Watford, but the points still didn't come. The disappointment was clear to see and the loss of Steve Cook just after the half hour pretty much scuppered much chance of the Cherries taking the game to Norwich City. Somehow Eddie Howe has to get the players in the right mental space to come out and get a result against Brighton & Hove Albion.
In the past, the Brighton games had been good recovery games for Bournemouth. We tended to win them. But now the balance has changed and Brighton have already beaten Bournemouth on 28 December, so the task is likely to be harder than ever with Brighton expecting hat they can come to Dean Court and put the Cherries under even more pressure.
There were a few more chances against Norwich City, but none were taken. There is a real lack of confidence in front of goal. I have said before that I' like to see Sam Surridge involved and perhaps Eddie will give him a proper try this game. But it is really up to the big names to start delivering. Callum Wilson knows he has to get goals and Fraser and Harry Wilson need to provide the assists if they can't get goals themselves. We need more closing from midfield and ball winning and retention. Everyone has to be on their game but that will only happen if Eddie Howe can get the players in the right spot mentally.
It's a game under the floodlights and a game Bournemouth can back on strong home support. The players have to feel they have the advantage and that the points are there for them to take. UTCIAD!
AFCB Home Form
LLDL
Brighton Away Form
LWDLL
Previous post on Cherry Chimes: Ramsdale is the only one who looks like he is enjoying his football.
 |
| It didn't happen at Norwich, it really has to happen tonight for AFCB. |
Advertisement
It may just need one result to change the fortunes of Bournemouth. They could still go on a run to get out of trouble but Eddie Howe needs to see results now not just better performances. The players mustn't worry about missing Steve Cook from the game. We have to get behind Simon Francis and get him focused on getting that clean sheet. All the players have to put in a shift against Brighton and look to win every ball. There can't be anymore slow play, it just isn't doing the Cherries any good in creating chances.
Advertisement
AFCB Home Form
LLDL
Brighton Away Form
LWDLL
Previous post on Cherry Chimes: Ramsdale is the only one who looks like he is enjoying his football.
Once the whistle goes, yes we will support whoever is selected.
ReplyDeleteBUT
We cannot run away from the fact that some of them aren't good enough to get results for rest of year.
If Steve Cook had let the ball go, we would still have been a goal down, so the preferred back line was not good enough against bottom of the league.
Truth is we should be strengthening the back 4. I would rather see a young player who has pace and strength make mistakes they will learn from, than experienced defenders who are giving it all but can't overcome their simple lack of speed. Add in Ake will go sooner or later, then we need a centre half who will ultimately partner Meopham when he's back and Ake has left.
In meantime, we need to start every game expecting to need to score 4 which requires more attacking options from midfield.
More than happy to stick with Ed, think players will return from injuries and we will send Villa and Brighton down with Norwich. However, that won't mean the need for an improved defense goes away. Why not solve it now, and survive by more than a point.