150 Premier League appearance up for Steve Cook

Captain Cook has done a great job in his last couple of games. Steve racked up his 150th appearance in the Premier League last Saturday and was making all the clearances and challenges to ensure Ramsdale wasn't give too much of a hard work out.

The calls for Steve Cook to get an England call up keep growing.

The captaincy surely does a lot for Cook's game. He really wears his armband with price and doesn't want the team to put in a poor performance. That means starting with his own game and while he has been back and fully fit, it is hard to see how Chris Mepham or Simon Francis will get near to the starting 11.

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The partnership with Nathan Aké is fully developed now. There is a real understanding between them and they seem much more focused on getting clean sheets. It is the small details that count and that make the difference and the communication from Cook is what I like to see. He was checking with Aaron Ramsdale and Nathan Aké regularly about what he wanted and the organisation of setting the offside line was good all game with Cook in control of it.

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The defensive side of Bournemouth's game has probably never been stronger. Three clean sheets in a row might well be a record for the club in the Premier League. Certainly, the back four look solid and it is not often we have been able to say that.

Players like Steve Cook are now gaining an enormous amount of experience with the time they have under their belt in the Premier League. But it's the players like Jack Simpson and Chris Mepham that need to be talking and learning from the experiences Cook has so that when they get to come into the team they are a bit more knowledgeable of things to watch out for.

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Is the AFCB defence now set right?

Listening to BT Sports guests, Rio Ferdinand and Joe Cole, you might think that Bournemouth's defensive set up is now pretty much fixed. The team has not let a goal in during the last three games, but it was the thickness of the woodwork that saved them at home against Man United.

Steve Cook and Adam Smith with Diego in the background
 - nothing was getting past them or Nathan Ake for the third game in a row!

I suppose I am always thinking that the next defeat is never that far away in this league. No matter how secure a back line looks, there are world-class attackers in the Premier League and only a few weeks ago Bournemouth couldn't buy a clean sheet, let alone get three in a row. Whatever Eddie Howe has done, it has worked for the moment. The form of Diego Rico has been very consistent and the return of Adam Smith has given a lot more running energy to the team.

In addition, we are now seeing the benefits of Steve Cook and Nathan Aké having played the best part of a couple of seasons together now in Bournemouth's defence. It's the trust that they have been building up and the knowledge about each other's game that is helping the team. There were very few moments of panic against Manchester United, and by keeping the shots to long-range efforts, there was a bit more calmness about AFCB's defending.

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Whether that control and work rate to keep the clean sheets going will continue is harder to say. Man United were in good form coming into the match, but were perhaps energy sapped from playing their third game in a week. Bournemouth won't have that advantage against Newcastle United away, but the Toon have been conceding as well as scoring goals.

It doesn't get much better than beating Man Utd

My feelings were the same as Eddie Howe's when the players come off the pitch having beaten one of the richest and most acclaimed clubs in the world, you should celebrate! Okay, United are not the team that one European Cups and back-to-back Premier League titles, they are a shadow of those teams. But they are still Man United and you can only beat what is in front of you.

The Minute of silence before the game was perfectly observed.

Looking at the league table today, it is Man United that will be feeling that they didn't perform and not the Bournemouth players. The Cherries needed a big win over a so-called top six team and they may have only nicked it 1-0, but the players beat Man United all over the pitch in winning tackles and making it difficult for them to play their game.

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Sometimes Bournemouth need to be a bit more in the faces of the opposition. The fact that it was a niggly game that was always simmering perhaps gave AFCB more of an impetuous to get over the winning line. Bournemouth still like to be thought of as underdogs and it gives the team a real sense of desire to get one over the bigger team - the fans feel it - and the players feel it.

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The atmosphere kept building against United. It was probably a horrible arena for them to play in as the home support was very strong. What Bournemouth managed to do was to find a bit of quality in the final third which hasn't been happening in the last few games. Bournemouth needed that and now they'll want to carry it on to the next game.

Chimes to Camera: AFCB 1 v 0 Man Utd

AFCB's defensive steel topples United

Match Description

AFCB 1 v 0 Man Utd

2 November 2019

Attendance: 10,669

Well, not many of us saw that score coming!

Playing Man United after they have come off the back of two wins was always going to be a measure of how well AFCB could stand up to United's attack. Bournemouth had been steady in home games, but with only one win before this match and three goalless attempts at scoring in the Premier League, goals were rather elusive. But when Josh King brought a high ball down and turned to face goal, he remained unchallenged and was able to fire past de Gea to give the Cherries the lead on half-time. It proved a decisive goal as United couldn't get a clear shot on Ramsdale's goal. While Jefferson Lerma will rue his spat with Martial and Fred, as it led to his fifth yellow card of the season, Bournemouth found resolve and courage in this match. While Greenwood had a chance to level, Bournemouth were well worth their narrow win that might have been extended, if Harry Wilson had not found David de Gea in the best of form.

The minute's silence

The Cherries made just one change from the last game with Harry Wilson replacing Arnaud Danjuma on the right wing. The weather was appalling, with steady to heavy rain pushing down for most of the first half and a swirling wind.

The game started with almost an opportunity from the off. A long ball from Aaron Ramsdale almost got Callum Wilson in, but he was offside. Man United countered quickly with a break that saw James go down the right and square for Pereira, but some how he missed the ball with just Ramsdale to beat!

Rico did better next time on James. Martial hit a weak shot at Ramsdale, but nothing to worry about.

James and Pereira were linking well but Pereira could only shoot over. United were overloading the right wing and Fred was next to miss a chance from a right wing cross, slipping on his backside as the ball sped away.

Callum Wilson got away up the left to across to Lerma who had a shot blocked on 13 minutes. Fred fouled Billing, but no yellow card was shown.

Harry Wilson had a shot blocked by McTominay for Bournemouth's first corner. Fraser got in behind the United defence and a header back by Billing, put United's defence under pressure. But when Fraser went down and VAR was checked, no penalty followed, on 16 minutes.

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Rashford tried his luck down left and pulled the ball back to Fred and its over. Still a corner was surprisingly given to Utd, much to the annoyance of home fans. King does well to pick McTominay 's pocket.

Smith goes in hard on Fred. The free kick is taken by Utd and Callum Wilson half clears enabling James to shoot, but wide of right post on 30 minutes.

Adam Smith is barged over, but no free kick is awarded. Fraser does better and wins a corner on 25 minutes.

Ake wins the ball and finds Callum Wilson, onto King and Fraser shoots low, but De Gea saves. That was the best play from Bournemouth so far. Fraser might have done better but tried to pick his spot.

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Martial goes down with Lerma's challenge in the box. It all kicks off with Fred getting involved. Fred and Lerma are carded on 35 minutes. That means Lerma is suspended for the next game as he hits the five caution mark.

Lerma wins a free kick. Harry Wilson has a well hit shot blocked. Ramsdale then clears at United break.

Smith goes down the right and Fraser cushions a volley, but straight at De Gea! That could have been the lead, but Fraser didn't hit the shot well enough. Lerma blocks McTominay.

Harry Wilson, Fraser is on the ball, now. Adam Smith floats the ball into the box. Great take down on the chest and turn by Josh King in the box and its fallen kindly to King, after Wan-Bissaka gets a foot in, and King's fired it past de Gea, through his legs, and in to the net 1-0 AFC Bournemouth.

Great time for Josh King to score.

Second half
King chased down a long pass but Lindelöf shepherd's it back to De Gea. Fraser fouls James. Steve Cook makes a great tackle - he's been on it today. Billing to Harry Wilson who looks for Callum and the chance goes.

Rico puts in a good cross. Rashford is fouled by Steve Cook and Cook is carded. United have a corner, on 57 minutes. Aké beats Rashford to the ball.

Fraser fouls James and is booked on 61 minutes. Callum is almost in from a right with a crossed ball, but De Gea does enough. Harry Wilson follows up but goes down, no penalty.

Harry Wilson is fouled by Lindelöf and the United player is booked.

Lerma spreads play Wilson cuts in and Smith is fouled. Young is booked. A free kick right by the box for Bournemouth follows. Harry Wilson hits it too high.

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Man United sub Pereira is taken off and Lingard is on after 68 minutes. Aké clears. Adam Smith concedes a corner. Smith comes away, but can't find Harry Wilson.

Fraser battles and wins the ball and Lerma has a cheeky shot just wide of the right post!

Rico wins the ball, before Fred shoots hight to the left of goal. Billing to Harry Wilson, save low de Gea - that was a difficult save. United have a corner but Bournemouth clear. Another United corner. Billing gets there first. Callum is down.

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Wan-Bissaka is subbed and Williams is on with 10 minutes to go. Fraser puts Callum in but there is a late flag. United have a corner and Greenwood hits the post, and Rico can clear at the far post.

McTominay drives a shot from distance that Ramsdale can only parry out, but Steve Cook clears with the goal lying open. Relief, Bournemouth get a foul after Smith was knocked over in his box.

Steve Cook beats Rashford for the corner. Maguire heads wide just beating Lerma. Harry Wilson is subbed on 86 minutes and Lewis Cook is on.

Corner to United. Bournemouth survive. King on the break to Fraser but he's lost out.

Callum is booked for a dive on half way. Fred shoots, but Ramsdale watches it well and saves.

Three minutes are added. It remains 1-0 to Bournemouth.

Happy days!

Summary
This was a tight match but neither keeper was kept overly busy. The conditions made for some over exuberant challenges, but the only time things got out of hand is when Martial went over easy in the first half and Lerma lost control in his anger. I guess it is best that Lerma gets his ban out the way, but it was an unnecessary yellow card for him. Bournemouth could have extended their lead with Fraser and Harry Wilson in particular going close. In the end, the 1-0 win is pleasing that Bournemouth took their best chance and kept United at bay for another clean sheet. Eddie Howe won't have much to grumble at after that performance, and the home crowd really got fully behind the team which made it a great game to be at.

AFCB Line-up

AFCB Subs: Boruc, Francis, Kelly, Mepham, L Cook, Danjuma, Solanke

AFCB Ratings
Ramsdale 7, A Smith 7, S Cook 9, Aké 8, Rico 8, H Wilson 6, Lerma 7, Billing 6,
King 8, C Wilson 6

Cherry Chimes MoM: Steve Cook

Ref Watch: Chris Kavanagh 3/10: A bit disappointing today, certainly liked to give United the benefit of the doubt.

Man Utd
1 de Gea, 29 Wan-Bissaka (Williams 81), 2 Lindelöf, 5 Maguire, 8 Young, 39 McTominay,
17 Fred, 21 James (Greenwood 80), 15 Pereira (Lingard 68), 10 Rashford, 9 Martial

Man United Subs

8 Mata, 14 Lingard, 16 Rojo, 22 Romero, 26 Greenwood, 37 Garner, 53 Williams

Cherry Chimes' T-shirt winner for the correct score prediction was Les Fry @bonzodog25

Man Utd post-match press conference

Can AFCB take advantage of Man Utd heavy programme of games?

It will be windy today, and AFCB will be a showcase as the early game.

With only two places between Man Utd and Bournemouth we could expect a tight game in this early kick off. United will be thinking they have overcome their bad run of form with a good win against Norwich last weekend, and a strong Carabao Cup performance to knock Chelsea out away from home. But three games in a week might mean some changes for Solskjaer to contemplate and Rashford is not going to score free kick rockets every time he steps out on the pitch!

The real plus for Man United last week was to see Anthony Martial not only come back, but to link up really well with Marcus Rashford. Man United had a potent attack again. Once United had a focal point they looked a much better side. The fears and in complacency might not yet have faded from their game completely though. If they find AFCB hard to breakdown then they could yet go back into their shell again.

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Solskjaer probably hopes that by playing game after game he will get his team to run into form. It has been happening so far this week, but what happens when they don't find things easy? It was pretty much a full strength side against Chelsea in midweek. Brendan Williams might not get a start, but we can expect Martial to be pushed up front to start against Bournemouth and Fred is likely to start in midfield. Pereira was also a sub in midweek and could come into the starting line up.

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But this is not a Man United that should hold too much fear for the Cherries. Pogba is out until December with an ankle injury, so they don't have quite that same central power unit. But McTominay has been sensational for them. The defence has also started to do better with a goal a game conceded. United's record is pretty similar to Bournemouth's start so I wouldn't be overly shocked if Bournemouth drawing record was continued for another game. But one home win is something that Eddie Howe would of course like to improve on.

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Man Utd Away
DDLLW

AFCB Home
DLWDD

Possible AFCB line-up

AFCB Subs: Boruc, Francis, Kelly, Surman, Billing, Danjuma, H Wilson

AFCB TV PREVIEW

Can Eddie get Ryan Fraser to sparkle again?

The AFCB fans have always been pleased at how well Ryan Fraser has played and how he has progressed under Eddie Howe and Jason Tindall's teachings. We all know that there needs to be a level of trust and friendship, and not just professional work ethic to make relationships work. The transfer issues that arose in 2019 over Ryan's Fraser's future have stifled his game and there needs to be a real desire from Ryan to enjoy what could be his last season at AFCB, if Eddie and Jason are going to get the best out of this talented winger.

Can Ryan get his goal scoring up from one goal this season?

I don't blame Ryan for keeping his options open to see what clubs might come in for him. He had a terrific season in 2018-19, but he risks losing it all if he doesn't get back his performance levels. I thought he did okay against Watford, without pulling up any trees as they say. He was in and out of the game a bit, and that's been true of a few games this season. He hasn't really started as many games as he would have liked I am sure, but keeping him on the sidelines doesn't seem to have done the team much good at various times either.

A flying and fully fit Ryan Fraser is as good as any left winger in the league and I miss not seeing him rip teams up in the manner to which we have been accustomed to. He can take games away from teams with his quick bursts and his eye for goal, but we are just not seeing it at the moment. It's no doubt more frustrating to Ryan than anyone else, but if Bournemouth want a good placing this season they need to find a way of getting Ryan back concentrating on his game.

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It probably hasn't helped that Scotland have also been performing under par and Ryan is not seen as a new player at that level anymore. He needs to be playing regularly for AFCB and chipping in with some goals and assists. Well, he won't get a much bigger stage than when Man Utd come down this weekend in the early kick-off. This could be the game we have been waiting for when Eddie Howe rally does get Ryan to play some sparkling football again. 

Are Man Utd back on form?

No Score draw?

Bournemouth don't often get Man Utd when they are in a downward spiral. Yet again we have seen them gain encouragement from their last outing against Norwich City at home and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be expecting his team to start picking up back to back away points, and a trip to Bournemouth is not going to be a game where they would expect to find it overly difficult to get the three points if the Man Utd of old turn up.

The good point for Bournemouth is that perhaps the pressure has come off Solskjaer and his players a little bit since they did win against Norwich. It might not have been a massive test for Man Utd going 0-2 up in half an hour away at Norwich and it will be down to Bournemouth to play with more defiance to not go down early against this Man Utd team. The player that seems to be playing with more determination than anyone on their side is Scott McTominay to me. He is scoring goals and making the tackles that are giving United a platform and he is clearly starting to play well with Maguire as he gets to know his game better.

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Man Utd managed 21 shots against Norwich, so Ramsdale might well expect a busy afternoon. It is the early game in the afternoon, which can make a difference when it comes to how the players are feeling, but Bournemouth have to take it on as a positive and not a negative that they are playing early. The must try and take on board that United are not the team they have been in past seasons and are a bit shaky if they are tested. I don't believe United are a fixed item yet, even with Rashford and Martial getting among the goals last time out in the league. But I have to confess, their away form is improving as was shown with the 1-2 away win in the Carabao Cup against Chelsea in midweek.

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A win against such a team would really get AFC Bournemouth's season up and running again and would make the disappointments of the last few weeks more bearable. The Cherries need a solid result, and if it comes against Man United then Howe will have done his work well.

Score Prediction Competition for T-Shirt
Send in your score predictions for AFCB v Man Utd to @CherryChimes. We will pick a winner from the correct scores to win a Cherry Chimes T-Shirt. All tweeted predictions get posted on the blog. Best of luck!



Cherry Chimes Newsletter - out today!
Cherry Chimes' November Newsletter brings you the best stories on the blog and the thoughts behind them from last month. It's out today, with special stories - Where will we be in another seven years and can we be pleased with the start of the season?

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