AFCB Vital Match Zone

Howe highlights key moment against Fulham

|
Image for Howe highlights key moment against Fulham

The 3-0 scoreline would suggest that AFC Bournemouth had a routine victory against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday afternoon if a routine victory in the Premier League ever exists.

But this was a game that was far more than that. Yes, Fulham are low in confidence and lacking an identity after promotion from the Championship. They came up with attacking purpose and a touch of flair but that has been lost thus far this season.

They, however, like every team no matter their form posed a threat and did enjoy some solid spells in both halves of the game.

On another day a referee may have fallen for Kamara’s dive, he could have evened it up with a penalty apiece and Callum Wilson’s opener could have been cancelled out.

Asmir Begovic had to make a decent save before the half-time whistle came. In the second half, Aleksandar Mitrović should have done better with certainly one chance.

But whilst Fulham lacked the clinical touch, AFC Bournemouth certainly didn’t and on the counter-attack the key moment of the game for Howe was the second goal.

With Fulham attacking, Simon Francis and Adam Smith clear the danger and run it up to halfway, through sheer determination Smith keeps possession and then Callum Wilson slides in for a tackle/pass through to Ryan Fraser. At pace Fraser and Brooks break with the Scotland international feeding the Welsh international to slot home.

2-0 game over.

From this point Fulham fell apart, captain McDonald was sent off for a second bookable offence, both cards coming breaking up quick Cherries counter attacks, the first on Fraser the second on Brooks.

Kamara should also have been sent off as he should also have received a second yellow card for either the foul on Fraser or kicking the ball away.

Mitrović ploughed his way aggressively and needlessly through Gosling too and couldn’t have had many complaints if his yellow card had been a straight red.

But whilst Fulham lost their heads, AFC Bournemouth cruised to a 3-0 victory with Callum Wilson rounding off a fine performance.

AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe told afcb.co.uk

“I’m very pleased today. I thought that we were very good in most disciplines. Without the ball, we restricted them to few chances and we had to be patient, we were good with the ball and also good on the counter-attack too.

“They had a lot of the ball at times, but our positioning and mentality was good. The second goal was a big moment and I think it was key in the game.

“We changed system today, it was a challenge and the players adapted well. It was a blow to miss Joshua King, but Callum Wilson got us two goals today and we really needed it.

Your say…

London Cherry wrote…

Just missed out on a couple of tickets for the away end so went for the neutral and was surprised to find us so close to our supporters. Don’t know anywhere else which does this?! Great to be able to cheer wildly though and not worry we were in the wrong end! David Brooks was an absolute star for us today, amazing balance from the Welsh lad. Lerma is the John Bailey type player we’ve been crying out for years with Lewis a great foil for him. Callum worked his socks off and deserved his goals. Thought we’d miss King up front but we didn’t really. A cold but great day out!! – Join the conversation, click here.

AFCB Vital sponsors of Cherry Bear and Supporters Travel

Share this article

DJ

Up The Cherries!

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *