AFC Bournemouth defender Steve Cook confessed his delight at the Cherries clean sheet against Swansea City.
The clean sheet at Dean Court on Saturday was a first in ten games, since ironically the Cherries last faced Swansea City on New Years Eve.
Since that game, AFC Bournemouth have conceded 23 times, a run of form which has left the Cherries worrying about their defensive record.
Over the course of the season AFC Bournemouth have now conceded 54 goals from 29 games, with only Hull City (58) and Swansea City (63) conceding more in the Premier League.
Cook told afcb.co.uk after the game…
‘A clean sheet’s been a long time coming, It’s been since Swansea away on New Year’s Eve, which is far too long; we’ve conceded a lot of goals…’
‘…I’m delighted, it’s like scoring goals when you’re a defender so a clean sheet is huge for us…’
‘…Obviously it’s disappointing to concede goals; we’re an attacking team so sometimes you are left a little bit exposed.
‘Over the last three games we’ve looked more solid as a team and we’re working very hard out on the pitch and on the training ground.’
Your Say…
langham wrote…
Centre Backs – what’s made the difference?
In the last three games the defence has improved hugely – not only that, we kept out Zlatan, Carroll and Llorente, three of the most effective forwards in the division on their day. I think Carroll and Llorente each got one header – the rest of the time they were shackled by Francis and Cook.
I was anxious when the transfer window closed without at least one new central defender – and IMO we still need reinforcements as a priority. But what’s brought the recent improvement, during which Francis has again been solid and effective, and Cook has been superb?
Key issue – if we concede just a goal a game (average of last three), with our attack in good form we can end the season mid-table and with confidence high. (Yes, I know the next month has some challenging fixtures – but on this form we should get some results.) – Join the conversation here.
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