Bournemouth won't need Harry Wilson next season

While Liverpool have been very keen to loan AFCB players like Nathaniel Clyne and Harry Wilson in the least two seasons and have seen the signings of Jordan Ibe and Dominic Solanke, they may find that AFCB's love affair with Anfield players is over.

AFCB are unlikely to spend further with Liverpool after recent signings.

Bournemouth have delved into Liverpool's extras for a few years now. It is clear that Jurgen Klopp's players play in a way that Eddie Howe likes and wants to bring to AFCB. However, the acquisitions of the last few years have been pretty lukewarm at best. The signings that have been particularly expensive I imagine are those of Brad Smith, Jordan Ibe and Domoinic Solanke. None of these players have been able to pin down a permanent place in the first team and they have all failed to impress. We can't really say that about Harry Wilson, this year's loan signing but if Liverpool are looking at another £20m plus for his services, Bournemouth are unlikely to be following up on the young Welshman, especially if the club is playing in the Championship in 2020-21.

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Harry Wilson has been a great credit to himself and Liverpool. He deserves a crack at the big time, be it at Liverpool or another big club, and it has been great to see such a player at AFCB. It would be nice to keep hold of him, but with David Brooks coming back AFCB have no need for Harry, Wilson's contract will be also up at the end of June unless Liverpool kindly offer to let AFC have hime until the completion of the season.

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Bournemouth have in all honesty bought too many Liverpool players and the record doesn't show that these players have been a great fit for AFCB. The club has been more successful in recognising talent at lower league level and bringing them through, even if it has taken more time to see some of these players come through. So, if Liverpool think they can count on AFCB to keep paying over the odds for some of their players who are not up to the grade they may have to look elsewhere for buyers this summer.

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In other news, another four players test positive for COVID-19.

Previous post on Cherry Chimes - Ramsdale we need to recover quickly to be ready for Project Restart

Bournemouth to chase Luton right-back

The Daily Mail has reported that AFCB are looking to sign Luton right-back Jack Stacey. The defender is also being targeted by Celtic so there is a battle on for his signature. Stacey is said to be quite versatile and can also be used in midfield. He is 23 and previously played for Reading and has been on loan at Barnsley, Carlisle United and Exeter City.

Adam Smith could soon have new competition for his right-back role.

The position of right-back is certainly where AFCB could do with more cover. Adam Smith and Simon Francis have had the responsibility of keeping the position before they were injured last season. Then it was Nathaniel Clyne that came in and filled the position on loan from Liverpool. If AFCB are after Stacey's signature I think we can rule out any possibility of Clyne returning to AFCB next season.

Whoever does come into the side at right-back has to work well with David Brooks. Eddie Howe likes to work on players as pairs and while Adam Smith and Simon Francis have established a good bond in only a few games with Brooks, I think it would help Brooks even more to have a regular right-back to play in front of.

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There is no reported price-tag on Jack Stacey but the Championship is the highest level of football that he has reached. It would seem a good signing in terms of financial cost if AFCB do land Stacey and perhaps the club is going to buy a little cheaper this summer.

Have AFCB dropped interest in Liverpool defender?

Nathaniel Clyne was a major part of the second half of Bournemouth's Premier League fourth season. Having come in on loan to cover for the injury to Simon Francis, he soon found his way into the team and seemed to get to grips with the AFCB style of play fairly quickly. But while I believe most Bournemouth fans were impressed enough by what they saw of Clyne, here we are in June and there has been no news of AFCB filing a bid with Liverpool for the England international.

Will we see Clyne in a Bournemouth shirt in 2019/10?

There could be many reasons why we have not heard more about a move for Clyne. Liverpool could be holding out for the best offer. Bournemouth might have ruled him out over salary demands or the potential transfer fee. Eddie Howe might have decided he's not what the team needs.

But hold on a second. AFCB let in a massive amount of goals last season and how many was Clyne responsible for? Not too many in my book. Do Bournemouth need to improve their defence? You bet, and would Bournemouth find another player who knows how AFCB works and plays to fit in at the start of next season as well as Clyne? 

It may seem a no brainer to some of us fans, but AFCB usually do their best to get transfers over the line quickly in the first few weeks of the summer. That is what disturbs me about Clyne. There simply hasn't been enough talk and gossip about the player on the south coast and it could be because AFCB are held up in trying to sign another Liverpool player (Harry Wilson) as well like they did when Jordan Ibe and Brad Smith joined the club.  

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If AFCB are pinning their hopes on a double deal, it could end up a summer that is filled with missed opportunities. While AFCB seem intent in signing young players, there is some kind of safety in signing one player at least who is an established player in the Premier League and I had hoped that Clyne would be that player. Now I'm not so sure.


In other news, Norwich and Leeds are reported to be interested in a Mark Travers loan move next season, according to the Irish Sun. Jefferson Lerma is expected to be involved in the Cupa America match between Colombia and Argentina tonight.

Clyne fits the AFCB profile

AFCB have been reported to be making enquiries about the availability of Nathanial Clyne from Liverpool after a successful loan period on the south coast. For me, Clyne is the perfect player to keep making AFCB progress. He is an international who has been with one of the top six clubs and he works hard at his game.

Where does Clyne see his future?

The right-back position could well be Nathaniel's next season if he does sign on a permanent deal. While Simon Francis will be making his comeback and Adam Smith is often seen as the utility man, Clyne has a great chance of having a starting spot and perhaps vying to get his England place back. From Clyne's point of view, he knows how AFCB play now and he has a choice to make with going back to Liverpool and being the player behind Alexander-Arnold in the pecking order.

The five months that Nathaniel did have at AFCB were fairly successful. He was dropped for a couple of games before getting his place back at the end of the season, but it was perhaps important for Eddie Howe to show Clyne that he had to keep progressing if he was to keep his spot in the Bournemouth team.

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AFCB could find that other teams are also willing to pay for Clyne's services - Napoli are said to be one such club and West Ham are also interested. Still AFCB have to be in a good position after Cardiff, another interested team last January, have been relegated and Clyne knows he can get game time at AFCB. The defining matter might be the price. While suggested figures of £15m have been murmured, AFCB would be buying an international player with some great experience and that makes him a superb buy in my opinion. He can fit in from game one and you can't say that about every purchase you make in the summer window.

An alternative option is Connor Roberts as Swansea City whom AFCB have been linked with on Wales online. AFCB are not afraid of dropping down to the Championship for players, but not all of them have been as successful as David Books.

How can AFCB best cover all bases against Spurs?

The main challenge Eddie Howe has to overcome against Tottenham is making AFCB solid enough not to concede an early goal. There is a hanging carrot for the team who have not managed to beat a Tottenham side in the Premier League, and if the players can do their jobs right they could get a very big scalp to give the club a great feel good factor going into the summer.

AFCB have a big challenge today.

So Eddie Howe's selection of players to play at the back is going to be critical. He has Jack Simpson playing in his preferred place and now having to believe that he is the correct choice and is good enough to be a Premier League player and not just a fill in. Simpson has earned is chance, and the fans really want him to do well as he is Bournemouth star in the making having been through the youth system at the club.

It is quite inspiring to see that Steve Cook has made such an important effort to get himself back playing and giving the energy to other players by the way he organises and talks on the pitch to those now who have a big job to do. Both Eddie Howe and Steve Cook are pushing for the defence to go out and get that clean sheet.

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Chris Mepham is now fully embedded as a Bournemouth player and seems to play the same way no matter if he has had the odd setback. He still looks a calm  head in young shoulders and just needs to soak up all the information that Eddie Howe is giving him. But the player that I feel really may want to have more of an impact no is Nathaniel Clyne, who will have to make a decision on his future in a couple of games, when he heads back to Liverpool. I am not sure if Clyne feels he has had as big an impact as he will have wanted to make, but I am sure Bournemouth fans are appreciative that he chose to come to Bournemouth and get his football going again. He could well be the player that can find yet another gear and  help AFCB get a big result against Tottenham and if it does click for him at Dean Court, he could well be AFCB's first summer signing which would be great call in my opinion. 

If the team can take some confidence from them all playing with fire in their hearts not to let Tottenham get that early start, it could turn out to be a thunderous and important turning point again to finally tick off a result against Tottenham. AFCB have the strikers who are in good enough form to take their chances, they just need a solid platform at the back.

AFCB TV

Possible AFCB Team

Ritchie wanted the last word

Rather than curse and shout after Ritchie's last minute equaliser, I just smiled while applauding the genius of the man. Yes, it was annoying that he should stop Bournemouth from getting to 40 points, but there was something inside me that remembered the cheeky Matt Ritchie who used to do that sort of thing for Bournemouth.

Matt Ritchie is still a player who can conjure magical finishes.

I'd have liked to have beaten Newcastle, especially as they had got one over us earlier on the season. Before the match though, I felt that it could be a 1-1 draw and I was really pleased on entering added time seeing AFCB 2-1 up. The game should have been won I suppose but I didn't see a great many mistakes in the run up to Newcastle's equaliser. Yes, players could have got closer to Yedlin who had pulled out wide, but when you are past 90 minutes into a game the legs can't always do what the mind wants them to do.

Who would have thought that Ritchie would be waiting on the other end of the cross and would instinctively shape to try and hit a wonder goal. He hadn't given Boruc any worries, but for a few crosses during the previous 90 minutes and he was having to create his own space with Clyne and King in close attendance. But he watched the ball fall perfectly on to his left foot and the finish was so sharp, I can't blame Boruc for not getting anywhere near it.

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The frustration of the incident really got to Clyne who we could see hammering his fist repeatedly on the ground knowing that the three points had gone. It was interesting to see that it mattered to him so much as a player on loan. Surely he has bought into the Bournemouth life now and perhaps he can see a future on the south coast beyond the next seven games.

As for Ritchie. Take a bow son. I commend him for the restrained celebrations. That must have been hard for him, because he knows it was an absolute screamer and I can understand why he wanted to raise his arms and say how about that to the Newcastle fans as they need the points as well. Newcastle contributed to a great game.

Are Bournemouth better with Mepham in the side?

Chris Mepham is starting to get a run in the team now and I feel he is starting to really get an understanding with Nathan Aké as a centre-back partnership. The height of Mepham has added a bit of aerial security and his easy manner on the ball has really been impressive.

Chris Mepham is quickly setting in to Premier League life.

Pushing Steve Cook out of the side probably would not have happened for Mepham this season, but for the injury to Cook. But the benefit for Bournemouth will be tremendous if they can get Mepham playing regularly through to the end of this season. I don't see why he can't make the position his, although I also believe Jack Simpson is equally well equipped to do the job.

It will be a sharp learning curve for Mepham, but being thrown in at the deep end has to happen at some time. With the team's problems in winning away from home, it was a good time for him to come in and add something new. He fights really had for the ball and his good positioning is starting to be realised, as he is making important blocks and tackles when the team has been stretched.

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The future looks promising for Mepham. It underlines to me that the recruitment of British players is really going well at the club. Brooks and Mepham are good enough to be in the starting 11. We will see what Howe does this summer for new signings, but he might believe that the British players still have most to offer the club at this stage of its development. I don't know of many fans who wouldn't like to see Nathaiel Clyne sign a permanent deal and we'll have to see if Solanke can get some games to press his starting case. 

Solanke and Ibe should revel in Anfield return

The number of signings from Liverpool seem to go up for Bournemouth each year from Liverpool. It won't be long before we can have a complete former Liverpool side against the reds at Anfield, but jesting aside it should be a great game for Jordan Ibe and Dominic Solanke to be involved in - if they have a point to prove - this is the game to do it in.

Nathaniel Clyne has been excellent for AFCB since his January signing,
but he is on loan and is not able to play against Liverpool as has been pointed out to me.

It is possible that all three players could start against Liverpool. The doubt might be on whether Ibe did enough to displace Junior Stanislas last weekend or not. But even if Ibe is on the subs bench, he ill be expecting some attention from the Anfield crowd as will Solanke. They all would no doubt love for Liverpool to win the Premier League, but here must also be part of them just dying to put one over on Jordan Klopp to say I'm better than you think I am.

Of course, by signing some of Liverpool's players, Eddie Howe will have a good understanding of the way Liverpool like to work and he has no doubt tapped the former Liverpool employees up in questioning them about what Klopp finds difficult to defend against. Any insight into the strategy hat Liverpool will employ will be handy for Howe to know, but he will be aware hat Liverpool coming off  disappointing result is arguably not the greatest time to play them. But  Ibe and Solanke can have no excuse of not feeling at home when they go to Anfield, and Howe will be relying hat these players put a bit of Extra effort into this one to win the game.

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Beating Liverpool would eclipse what AFCB did against Chelsea, especially as Bournemouth are likely to have not only Callum Wilson, but also David Brooks missing. It's time for some of the signings from Liverpool to show us what they are about. 

Is a home win against Chelsea finally possible?

Bournemouth have not managed to beat Chelsea at home in the three previous Premier League games, but this could be their best chance with Chelsea coming off he back of two cup games in the last few days. Maurizio Sarri will no doubt make changes from his large squad to try and keep his strongest side ready for Bournemouth, but Eddie Howe will plan to attack and motivate his players to get that first win against a top six side this season.

Bournemouth take on Chelsea again hoping for a different outcome.

Most of the Chelsea talk has been about the performances of Eden Hazard since their Carabao Cup success against Tottenham last Thursday night. I don't expect Bournemouth believe they can win the game unless they come up with some kind of plan to keep him from causing problems. He turned the last game against Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup in December and he is the type of player that can just make the difference in these games. Perhaps Bournemouth will be spared the presence of Higuain having seen him play a full game on Sunday in the FA Cup. Higuain could be on the bench though and will want to get his first Chelsea goal as quickly as possible.

But if Bournemouth know where their main problems are going to come they also have to believe that their newly structured defence, with Boruc in goal and Nathaniel Clyne on the right, can be as compact as they were against West Ham. Back-to-back clean sheets have not been a feature of Bournemouth's season, and the top six have really battered Bournemouth's goal difference. So can this game be different?

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Bournemouth will be pleased they still miraculously have Jefferson Lerma sitting on his last yellow card, and the team really needs a fully-fit Callum Wilson to have that finishing presence on the pitch to cause panic in Chelsea's defence. Eddie Howe needs all his players to step up for a big performance, and under the lights at Dean Court should be a special atmosphere. A win would certainly spark some excitement into an end of season race to try and beat the club's top nine finish.

AFCB Home Form
WLWDW

Chelsea Away Form
LWWWL

Other news
Club ownership has changed. Peak 6 has sold its 25 per cent shares in the club. AFCB Enterprises Ltd -Maxim Demin's company - now fully owns AFCB again. 

Was Bournemouth's defence good or Hammer's attack toothless?

It is hard to get excited about defenders doing their job sometimes, while the goalscorers tend to get all the credit. Against West Ham Bournemouth did get a well-earned clean sheet and they reduced West ham to shooting from distance for most of the game, until Andy Carroll missed for one yard. So were West Ham's strikers just poor or did Bournemouth's defence play outstandingly well?

Nathan Aké with Nathaniel Clyne before the West Ham match.

I am more of a glass half full merchant, when it comes to Bournemouth's defence. I still believe the team is two or three defenders short of being a really polished unit, that could rank as well as some of the top 10 teams in the Premier League. Aké and Clyne have the quick decision-making and control to their games that will hopefully start to be picked up be one or two others. But Bournemouth play better in defence when they really come out with an attitude to not give the opposition a kick around their box.

It was interesting that Howe said that he asked his defenders to be more aggressive against West Ham. He perhaps felt that they had been too timid against Everton and then Brighton in the cup. That determination not to get pushed aside, I've always feel Bournemouth players have had as they have come up through the leagues. But the game is different in the Premier League, and it's quick thoughts, to get the right side of your man, and see where the danger is likely to be that makes a player stand out at this level.

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Personal battles have to be won and I did think Bournemouth did that against West Ham. Antonio and Anderson were kept in check, which was mainly down to Adam Smith and Nathaniel Clyne sticking to them like glue. It wasn't necessarily pretty at times but it did mean Boruc had little to do, but for a few punches in the second half late on. Had Arnautovic been available it may have been more of a test for Bournemouth's defenders. Carroll should have scored which tells me that Bournemouth still don't quite shot the door for 90 minutes and the defence is not yet bullet proof, so I'm keen to see if they can do it again against a Chelsea side that are themselves having problems in scoring.

Transfer news
Marc Pugh is expected to complete his loan transfer to Hull City today.
Brentford are said to have agreed a fee with AFCB for the signature of Chris Mepham.

Can AFCB reduce the goal against count up at Everton?

Bournemouth go into the match at Goodison with a terrible record, but Everton are also shipping goals and both teams need to tighten up in defence. The addition of Nathaniel Clyne will make a difference to Bournemouth in the pace and positional play of Clyne, but it's the centre-back form of Nathan Aké and Steve Cook that perhaps needs to come under more scrutiny.

A win would take AFCB back into the top 10

It has been a funny season for Tyrone Mings again in that he has picked up injuries and found it difficult to get himself available for a good run in the team and even after the Christmas period he finds himself first reserve. But with the amount of goals that Bournemouth ave been conceding which is up to 40 in the league, he must be a bit miffed why he has not been given a go to try and reduce the goals being conceded.

Everton's wingers are very mobile with Theo Walcott scoring in the reverse fixture earlier in the season and while Bernard has found it more difficult to score goals, he links play well and can pop up in space. Bournemouth need to be more wary of players getting in between their midfield and defence and Begovic needs more protection than he has had of late.

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Worrying too is that this could be Lerma's last game for a couple of matches, if he gets a booking, and he will have his work cut out against Sigurdsson in the middle of the park. Bournemouth will need to find a player that can defend well in front of the back four when Lerma is out. Surman will probably be given the job, but I only hope to see Surman on at Everton if Bournemouth are closing out the game and are well in control of the match. Without Lerma, AFCB are much lighter in midfield.

Look out this weekend for Cherry Chimes on the Royal Blue Mersey blog 

Cherry Chimes speaks to Matthew Chandler to give a pre-match opinion on the Cherries' season ahead of Everton v AFCB.

Possible AFCB line up

AFCB Subs: Boruc, Mings, Simpson, Rico, Daniels, Surman, Musset, Ibe.

Send in your score predictions for Everton v AFCB to @Cherry Chimes. We will pick a winner from the correct entries sent in by 12pm on Sunday. I have lots of medium sized T-shirts left, so come on the medium-sized T-shirt wearers!

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Will Adam Smith win his place back when fit?

Adam Smith may only be a few weeks away from being able to return to full training, and when he does come back he is gong to see a bit of competition ahead of him. The time between now and then will be filled with Nathaniel Clyne getting up to speed for AFCB in the right back position, and Adam Smith might find that his number one position is a little harder to retain.

Adam might fancy the left-back spot when he comes back to fitness.

I don't see that being a major problem though for Smith. He has already demonstrated that he can play just as well at left-back and he is always an option on the right side of midfield, if required. Adam's versatility makes him a go to player and it is annoying for Howe I am sure that Adam is one of those injured at the moment as he is one of the players that can fill several holes when they occur.

It is interesting to speculate whether Clyne will win out against Smith for the right-back spot. I don't see Clyne being able to play elsewhere in the team, so it's either that spot of the bench for him and while Adam is used to battling Simon Francis for a place in the team, it is good to finally see a bit more competition for the right-back position.

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Adam Smith is a player that tends to improve when he does have competition and I'm looking forward to see him perhaps learn a bit from Clyne, who may just have a bit more to his game when it comes to decision-making. Smith has never been able to get international recognition, but he might find out one or two things that are just preventing him to get to that next step if he works with Clyne and adds a few more things to his own game.

Bournemouth rotate themselves out of FA Cup

Match Report

FA Cup Third Round

AFCB  1 v 3 Brighton

Attendance: 10,522

Another early exit from the FA Cup for the Cherries.

Bournemouth called the changes with nine new names on the team sheet and a wayward shooting display that left Brighton in prime position to dump the Cherries out of the FA Cup. Missed chances by Jordan Ibe and Lys Mousset proved very costly as Brighton eased themselves into a 0-2 lead on 34 minutes. Marc Pugh halved the deficit at the start of the second half, before Andone headed in from a corner to see Brighton through to the fourth round.

The changes for Bournemouth included a debut for loan signing Nathaniel Clyne at right-back, while Kyle Taylor was given a start. There was no appearance for new signing Dominic Solanke.

The first half hour was dominated by Bournemouth who created some excellent opportunities to take the lead. Jack Simpson came close with a header in the first 10 minutes and Steve Cook similarly went close from a corner in the first 15 minutes, but headed wide.

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Bournemouth's speed on the break with Ibe was causing problems, but they lacked calmness in front of goal and Ibe saw his run blocked when he had done so well to drive into the box. If he was misfiring though, Lys Mousset would have been more at home on a rugby pitch when he received the ball, off an Ibe blocked shot, right in front of the penalty spot that he shovelled his shot over the bar!

To make matters worse a Brighton beak saw Anthony Knoackert tuck in his shot from the right, through the legs of Steve Cook, and straight into the bottom corner. 

The goal knocked Bournemouth out of their stride and a run from Bissouma was not checked with the midfielder trying his luck from distance, and seeing Boruc slip and dive despairingly short of his shot that came off the post and nestled in the back of the net.

Locadia could have extended the lead, but headed wide from close range. Brighton would head into half-time with had a two goal lead.

AFCB were again playing catch up.

Second half

Bournemouth were determined to make a better show of it second half with Brooks coming on for Taylor and carrying the fight. Ibe had an early shot blocked for a corner. 

Ibe was again probing with a cross that Steele caught. Simpson was closing the back door with a great sliding tackle on Andone to win the ball. 

Meanwhile, Surman lost his bearings and sliced a ball horribly out of play on half way. Bournemouth were coming forward though and Ibe and Brooks were testing the Brighton defence, before Surman picked out Pugh. He cut in on his right foot and hit his shot right into the right corner of the goal from 18 yards.

A long ball almost caught Brighton out again when Ibe latched on to it, but had his shot blocked before Fraser drove a cross right across the box.

Brighton countered with Kayal driving a shot wide on 61 minutes. Ibe was seeing a lot of the ball, but his indecision was enabling Brighton to get in their blocks.

Brighton then won a header off of Simpson's headed clearance. The corner went to the back post and Duffy headed it back across the six yard box to Andone who headed in, with Boruc unable to keep the ball out with Steve Cook in close attendance.

Bournemouth were going out and the crowd were not impressed with Ibe seeing the ball go under his foot and out of play by the East stand. He was subbed moments later for Stanislas to come on after 70 minutes.

Lucadia had a blocked shot, before Bissouma shot well over. Lucadia was then subbed for Solly March on 73 minutes. 

Rico was finding it hard to get quick control of the ball and to make his crosses and when he did they were over hit. So Daniels replaced him on 79 minutes. Steve Cook played a good ball through to Mousset and forced a corner. Brooks then made a volley that Steele just managed to keep out before a defender cleared.

Pugh shot just over as Bournemouth searched for a goal. Surman was carded for a foul on Bissouma, but when Fraser was clipped by Bong and looked sure to get a shot off, the ball just ran out for a goal kick with no foul given.

Bruno was subbed for Montoya on 87 minutes. While Daniels won a late corner Steve Cook could only see his header saved by the keeper. Steve Cook picked up a yellow card after fouling Monoya and with the four minutes of added time Knockaert was subbed for Gyokeres.

Not a lot to cheer about at Dean Court.

Summary

It was not an ideal game for Nathaniel Clyne to make his debut. He was composed and showed some nice touches, but the forward players of Mousset and Ibe had little quality or confidence in front of goal. Brighton finished clinically where AFCB's players pondered and hesitated when near goal. Going a goal down and conceding another so soon after really hit Bournemouth hard and even a spirited short-lived comeback with a fine goal from Pugh left Bournemouth well short of what was needed to get something from the game. Howe will take criticism for the performance, but he was clearly restricted with his player choices when Josh King was unavailable and the bench was short of attacking players. Still, players like Jordan Ibe and Diego Rico have to start producing better performances than this if they are worth their place in this squad.

AFCB Subs: Travers, Mings, Daniels, Butcher, Dobre, Brooks, Stanislas

AFCB Ratings

Boruc 5, Clyne 6, S Cook 7, Simpson 5, Rico 4, Ibe 5, Taylor 5 (Brooks 8), Surman 5,
Pugh 7, Fraser 6, Mousset 5  

Cherry Chimes' MoM: David Brooks

Ref Watch Michael Oliver: 3/10 Didn't feel AFCB were given fouls when in and around the box.

Brighton
Steele, Bruno (Montoya 86), Balogun, Duffy, Bong, Kayal, Stephens, Bissouma,
Knockaert (Gyokeres 90+1), Andone, Locadia (March 73)

Brighton Subs
Button, March, Montoya, Burn, Pröpper, Gyokeres, Murray