AFC Bournemouth travelled to the home of Premier League champions Manchester City on Saturday.
The Cherries were without record signing Jefferson Lerma, who was serving a one-match suspension for accumulation of yellow cards.
The midfield options were depleted further with the loss of Dan Gosling, meaning AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe named the only options available in Lewis Cook and Andrew Surman.
Was that selection was forced, a tactical choice was seen at the back with a switch to a back three with Tyrone Mings joining Nathan Ake and Steve Cook.
Simon Francis and Charlie Daniels played the wing-back roles.
The home side were the heavy favourites for the victory and their three goals will mean that many will see this as a simple victory for Pep Guardiola’s side.
However, the Cherries did equalise through an excellent goal from Callum Wilson and a great assist from Simon Francis. AFC Bournemouth also created other chances to get on the scoresheet and it has also been suggested that the away side should have also been awarded a penalty.
AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe told afcb.co.uk…
“There were elements of the game we’re really pleased with, We looked a threat from set pieces and on the counter attack, so that aspect is quite pleasing.
“I do think the big disappointment is however, the goals we conceded. They weren’t goals where they carved us open with magical play…”
“…he goal was a reward for a good passage of play, we did look dangerous in the final third and the quality of the front players showed.
“But we are disappointed with the goals in the second half, the second and even the third, but the attitude of the players was to never give in and that showed when we were knocking on the door despite being 3-1 down…”
Speaking to Sky Sports, Howe discussed the penalty appeal for an apparent foul on Tyrone Mings…
“It is one of those situations where as the away team, with no noise to disturb the referee it is an easy one to wave away, I think possibly it could have been a penalty.”
Your say…
kirsikka wrote…
Another day, another dodgy decision for the top six
They absolutely got away with one on the Mings non-given penalty.
It’s either the world’s strangest run of coincidental decisions or the top six may just find themselves regretting the introduction of VAR next season when the playing field becomes a little more level.
Free hit today. They were obviously better but we were in the game and could easily have snatched a point. Marked progress over our other PL visits there.
Although an understandable run of results, it’s important we get something on Tuesday now. – Join the conversation, click here.
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