AFC Bournemouth returned to Championship action at Dean Court on Wednesday night, welcoming Birmingham City to the south coast.
AFC Bournemouth head coach Scott Parker had to get a reaction from his side following Sunday nights poor performance in the FA Cup fourth round, getting knocked out by non-league side Boreham Wood.
The Cherries returned to a much more recognisable side with Mark Travers in goal, Jack Stacey at right-back, Jordan Zemura at left-back, captain Lloyd Kelly at centre back, with yet another new partner this time in the form of Liverpool loanee Nat Phillips.
In midfield, Jefferson Lerma was the deepest of the midfield triangle, with Philip Billing and on-loan Norwich City midfielder Todd Cantwell supporting Dominic Solanke in attack. In the wide areas, it was Jaidon Anthony and Ryan Christie.
Goals from Christie, Solanke and Anthony wrapped up the three points, despite playing almost half an hour with ten men thanks to a straight red for Jefferson Lerma.
After the game, Parker told Sky Sports…
“I thought in the first half we looked every bit of a top side. I asked my players to give us a reaction and give the fans a reaction to what happened on Sunday and I thought in the first half we were exceptional. Two at half time could easily have been three or four.
“The second half changed the game but even after they scored we showed big character to score and make it 3-1. That gave us a bit of oxygen and from there we had to hold on. I am very pleased with the result and the reaction of the team because after Sunday the players were broken a little bit and disappointed. They proved a point tonight.”
Man of the match against Birmingham
Christie
Anthony
Stacey
Solanke
Billing
Phillips
Travers
Cantwell
Someone else
Positives to take ✅
Scott Parker discusses last night's win and an important three points 👇
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) February 10, 2022
Written by AFCB_Liam
Huge 3 points but could easily have been the same story if not for Travers. Why do we come out so lethargic in the 2nd half?! It means the concentration drops and leads to errors and gees up the opponents. Lerma challenge was completely stupid and we almost folded after that.
The game should have been completely dead and buried by then, or if not at least manage the game. Don’t get me wrong, a lot of positives, especially Anthony and Cantwell but my god, we make things wayyy too difficult for ourselves. Must do better in the next 2 games.
Big win, big performance! Up the cherries 🍒 🅿️ pic.twitter.com/Uu7HtHjqUD
— Todd Cantwell (@ToddCantwell_10) February 9, 2022
Your say…
billythekid wrote…
Much better performance from our team from the start, not the usual slow build-up but done with more pace and purpose.
Good to see Solanke back on target where that shot may have just gone wide.
Christie got a deserved goal for his hard work and Cantwell after being out so long at Norwich City looked lively and fits into our midfield nicely.
Dembele looks like he could become a crowd-pleaser from the bit we saw tonight.
Mark Travers from in tip-top form tonight and was my MOM.
The majority of the 8,708 in attendance went home happy. – Join the conversation, click here.
Big win. 20th goal of the season⚽️. The marathon continues🙌🏾. https://t.co/2NirtY9S3r
— Dom Solanke (@DomSolanke) February 9, 2022
Great @afcbournemouth reaction to Sundays setback last night exactly what Everyone asked for. Flowing first half and saw the game out after the red card. Let’s hope the boys can get full marks from the judges in Blackpool on Saturday. Our supporters were incredible thank you all
— Jeff Mostyn (@jeffmostyn) February 10, 2022
