Steve Cook loss is crippling for AFCB

There was only one turning point in the game with Liverpool for Eddie Howe. It was the moment early in the first half when Steve Cook pulled up after trying to stop Firminho in Bournemouth's box. The injury was immediate and Steve Cook could do nothing about it, but from being a goal up and looking strong, Bournemouth's insecurities came back to haunt them and Liverpool took full advantage.

Steve Cook has to sit a few games out.

The pairing of Steve Cook and Nathan Aké has been Eddie Howe's pillar at the back, but he hasn't had the chance to play them as often as he'd like. With Chris Mepham also out for probably another month, and Simon Francis having a knee problem, Bournemouth really need Jack Simpson to fill the void. Jack made the mistake to give Liverpool their first goal, but he he equally made a great goal line clearance a few minutes later. He can step up and will need to in Bournemouth's next game and it is his time.

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While Steve Cook will be a spectator along with Simon Francis for the Palace game, they can still be positive around the team and tell them what it would mean for them to see the lads win the games. It is a case of passing the baton on and if Bournemouth are going to be a club that brings players through and succeed, they need players to come in and make a difference.

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Steve Cook will be a big miss. He has a defiant character and warrior spirit that make him well prepared for the battles Bournemouth face in the run-in. But now it's up to others and Bournemouth can't allow themselves to feel negative about not having him on the pitch. They can only worry about the variables they can control and if that means making Jack Simpson play like he is Virgil van Dyke next game, then that is what the need to concentrate on.

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