AFC Bournemouth returned to Dean Court on Sunday to host Aston Villa, a side currently competing in European competition (hence the annoying 2pm on a Sunday kick-off despite not being on Sky Sports). Villa this season haven’t let UEFA Competition hinder them like other Premier League sides often do. Instead, they appear to be pushing on to even higher heights. At one stage the live Premier League table would have shown Aston Villa in second place in the Premier League, just two points behind league leaders Arsenal.
But despite all that, AFC Bournemouth are a different animal in recent weeks. Confidence is high and this has enabled the Cherries players to find an extra half a yard, an extra burst of energy, the confidence to try something positive, and with it has come a rich vein of form. Wins over Burnley, Newcastle United and Sheffield United have lifted the Cherries out of the relegation zone.
That winning run was close to continuing with another excellent and entertaining performance against Aston Villa. But a last-minute equaliser from England international Ollie Watkins saved the visitors from defeat.
Speaking after the game, AFC Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola told Sky Sports…
“It is a hard one to take because before the game you would take a point against Villa, but considering how the team played and the chances we had we cannot be happy.
“In the end we could not score the third goal even though we had clear chances and we also have to congratulate their goalkeeper who made two or three spectacular saves.
“After the start of the season we needed to improve and we’ve been doing that. We are understanding each other better and the players are physically in a good place. It is obvious we are playing better than we were.
“They are winning duels against tough opposition, but we have to continue because this is a good level from us and it’s only enough for one point.”
Man of the Match against Aston Villa
Christie
Kerkez
Solanke
Tavernier
Semenyo
Zabarnyi
Cook
Senesi
Kluivert
Neto
Smith
"We cannot be happy with one point" 💬
Andoni Iraola was proud of the Cherries' performance but was frustrated not to claim all three points. pic.twitter.com/JkuTgS9Bpy
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) December 3, 2023
Written by RobTrent
I thought the team today were excellent, and it was so much more enjoyable than what we’ve watched the previous season. Nothing against O’Neil or Parker, but today was superb and what it should be about. Dare I say almost Eddie-esque?
Hell, I even noticed some tactics going on. Adam Smith stuck limpet like to their McGin first half. Also noticed how Cook and other midfielders pushed forward to stop their midfield getting space.
We let in a late goal, but no way was I leaving Dean Court disappointed.
Bravo!
northstandmark
The only question is whether we can keep it going 3 games a week.
We’re better cover or recruitment at full back away from 4 extra points this season.
AFCBmattjamr
Slightly disappointed not to come away with all 3 points but what a performance and what a joy to watch!
Keep playing like that and we will be more than fine.
So happy to be watching positive, exciting, attacking football again!
We deserved more today, we keep on building up 🔥
on to the next one 🍒Merecimos más hoy, aceptar el punto y seguir construyendo 🔥🍒 pic.twitter.com/vwsIPRBjJB
— Marcos Senesi (@senesimarcos) December 3, 2023
AFCB_Liam
Very harsh but we should’ve put that game to bed. Superb performances all over the pitch. Is Christie now the first name on the teamsheet? Incredible 90 minutes from him, was one of the best central midfield performances I’ve seen for us for a long time.
fritter
The whole intensity drops when Philip Billing comes on. Semenyo is a greater threat to their players.
Another game that should have seen us score 4 or 5. A draw that feels like a defeat. That’s a measure of how improved we are over the last few games.
Another intense performance that showed we are as good as Villa.
CherryBeetle
Yes, disappointed not to win. We looked the better team against a side sitting in the Champions League places. But I am a very proud fan tonight. We have a team that can mix it with most of the division now. We are getting better every time we run out onto the pitch. We are climbing the table. The future is bright.
In Andoni Iraola we trust !!. Bring on Palace !! Up The Cherries !! – To join the conversation, click here.
"The manager's tactics are really coming together now" 😍@AntoineSemenyo1 is enjoying life at the moment. pic.twitter.com/SSL8xf1ou4
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) December 3, 2023
