AFC Bournemouth were handed a home tie against Liverpool in the fourth round of the Football League Cup after beating Stoke City at Dean Court on Wednesday night.
The Cherries made sweeping changes to their normal Premier League XI, some were inforced by injuries to the likes of Lloyd Kelly, and others were normal cup rotation, such as Neto dropping out and Radu stepping in.
Adam Smith also made his first start of the season following an injury in pre-season and new signing Tyler Adams also made his debut as a second-half substitute.
A lackluster first-half failed to impress anyone inside the stadium, disappointing for many of the non-regulars, given a chance to attend due to season-ticket holders often skipping these types of fixtures. But the introduction of Dominic Solanke and Ryan Christie turned the game around in quick fashion.
However, post-match there will be a worry over AFC Bournemouth’s top goalscorer as he was forced off after taking a knock to the ankle.
AFC Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola told the Daily Echo after the game…
“…I think we were slow to start the game.
“I think we didn’t have this sense of urgency that you need, especially when you play at home and you are the Premier League side…”
“…We needed a change of energy, and I think not only the subs especially – okay, it’s been very important, Dom (Solanke) and Ryan (Christie), the ones that play up front, and the first one (goal) that gives us this energy – but the rest of the team, I think they had another attitude in the second half.
“Another willingness, another urgency, and then we could make the difference.
On the cup draw against Liverpool he added…
“It’s a tough one. Liverpool at home.
“At least it is at home. We wouldn’t have chosen Liverpool for sure, but I think we have to give our best.
“There are no weak teams in this moment of the competition, they are strong. But you prefer if you don’t match against these top-level clubs.
“We’ve not been lucky, but we are going to try and we are going to give them a tough match for sure.”
Man of the match against Stoke
Zabarnyi
Rothwell
Senesi
Cook
Solanke
Kerkez
Brooks
O. Dango
Smith
Someone else
Your say…
SlowDownDerek said…
Comfortable win. Always a bit disjointed when you make loads of changes. Still, Traore looks neat and tidy but won’t force his way into the side unless he influences games more. Thought Rothwell was good. Dango was erratic as ever. Adams’ cameo was not bad and he had a lot to say so you can see why he’s been a captain for his country.
Cherry1 replied…
Funny how people see a match,
I thought Traore was anonymous and constantly gave it away and didn’t make any effort to get it back.
Thought he was justified to be pulled at half time, I reckon he will be gone Jan or Summer, and will be 3rd choice at best for the only role he can play once Scott is fit.
Agree with everything else you said, not looking for an argument just genuinely find it interesting two people see a game so differently.
Garbo added…
Totally underwhelming first half of frustration and we seemed to be in O’Neil mode.
Class told in the end when Dom steadied the attack and Christie ran the midfield…thought Pearson was booked unjustly for a soft foul and he was livid about it too!…. Nice to see Brooks, Cook, Rothwell and Pearlo having a chat on the pitch at the end of the game…Moore seemed to storm off immediately at the final whistle not shaking hands with anyone!
Radu 6 not sure about him, not really tested but his ball at his feet made me nervous
Smith 6 Solid but unspectacular return to the side
Zarbarnyi 6 Steady at the back
Senesi 6.5 Solid and played the ball out well at times
Kerkez 6.5 Got forward well but his shooting and crossing was poor took a few hits in the tackles
Brooks 6 was subdued and his passing was off-kilter
Rothwell 6.5 Battled and at least scored from a free kick (a tad flukily)
Cook 8 Bossed the game in midfield and looked on his game
Dango 5.5 not really at the races tried some fancy back heels and flicks which didn’t come off…looks slower than he was last season too.
Traore 4 very poor and lacked any quality
Semenyo 5 showed he is not a lone striker through the middle
Subs
Solanke 7 composed finish for his goal and looked our best hope, his injury looked like a hip or back problem not an ankle one hopefully not to serious
Christie 7 Classy and hard-working nearly scored bringing out a good save.
Moore not enough time to get into the game, not sure why he didn’t get on before Dom and was clearly frustrated about that
Tavernier 6 some energy and neat touches
Adams 5.5 saw not enough for me to be encouraged, nice dive which upset the Stokies!
Referee 5 don’t like him bit inconsistent with his bookings and fussy lecturing of players
Well we are through and have a chance v Klopp’s boyz at home next round before we get Port Vale in quarters and Exeter in the semis !
langham said…
Hmmm …. this was a scratchy performance against a struggling Championship team. Thought we made them look good, especially first half, when we lacked energy and misplaced passes throughout. The second half much improved but we seemed to tune out after the two goals and, to their credit, Stoke kept going. Pluses: Kerkez, Cook, Rothwell; Problems: Traore and Dango who, bar one tricky turn, seemed unable to control the ball.
AND – lots of kids attending of course… more evidence (if needed) that there’s a youthful desire in BCP for live football and we should BUILD THE THING! – To join the conversation, click here.
