AFC Bournemouth traveled to Anfield to face Liverpool on Saturday for the first time since the 9-0 defeat last season.
This was a very different Cherries side however, Scott Parker (and Gary O’Neil) have gone since that trip. New additions have been made to the squad and there is a much better feeling around both the squad and the fan base since that day.
The Cherries however know that they need more than just a better feeling around the squad to get results away to the big six, they also need a fair hand from the officials. Something that was certainly missing when the penalty was awarded to the home side. Decisions like that turn games and this one was no different. Was it a decision that won Liverpool the game? Who knows, but it certainly didn’t hinder them.
After the match, AFC Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iralola told the Daily Echo…
“I think we started really well.
“We had the disallowed goal, the goal we scored, and other good chances.
“But after they pushed, we had to defend lower.
“I think we did pretty well during the first half because they were putting a lot of pressure.
“Overall, I was happy with the performance.”
Man of the match against Liverpool
Neto
Semenyo
Kerkez
Zabarnyi
Senesi
Someone else
Andoni is full of praise for @AntoineSemenyo1 🙌 pic.twitter.com/86HJJtGPng
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) August 19, 2023
AFCB_Liam wrote…
Overall I thought of more positives than negatives. We started well, could also have been a red for Allison early on. Liverpool back into it with a great goal and then a soft penalty.
Came out of the blocks slowly 2nd half and midfield looked tired. The red didn’t disrupt their pressure and they got the 3rd again from down our left side. The subs were a little too late. Became a bit of basketball after that and we dominated the last 10 or 15. A goal with 10 to go would’ve made it interesting but we weren’t clinical enough.
The style of play is so much more exciting than last season. Overlaps, more bodies in the box, more shots.
Semenyo was superb and probably our MoM. Senesi did well and both Kerkez and Aarons looked to get forward.
Solanke was a bit of everything. Some nice touches and running with the ball but wayward finishing and fell over a few times. Anthony wasn’t great – looked lightweight, fell over a couple of times, caught offside 2 or 3 times, and didn’t track back enough.
A good cameo for Traore, a very poor cameo for Moore.
Your say…
Newman104 said…
It was always going to be difficult to get anything from this game, but it’s outside of the first 10-15 minutes it’s been about as bad as you could have thought within reason. We obviously weren’t going to lose 9-0 again.
This 2nd half especially has been an embarrassment. Came out with no energy. Looked as bad as any team I’ve ever watched while up a man. Then missing chance after chance after chance to try and get back into this one. Just a disgraceful display.
AFCB_Liam responded…
Overall it’s been a positive game. We look so much more creative than last season. Some big players to come back too. It’ll be a fun ride whatever happens!
dragonm8 wrote…
I think this game is a great eye-opener for our new manager.
They are still finding spaces with 10 men.
A great learning curve, but not a fair reflection of the game.
The penalty clearly wasn’t, and then that gives Liverpool the impetus.
I think we will end up mid-table.
sam adams added…
Unfortunately, we have some players who don’t seem up for the challenge at this level. It will be a good benchmark for AI to build on when we have the injured guys back and maybe a couple of newbies.
It’s a really tough ask to expect him to turn water into wine in two games, I feel confident with our support he will be a winner in the long term.
Flake posted…
I thought there were plenty of positives. I like the way AI uses his subs. In both games this season his subs have changed the momentum of the game in our favour, which is something that hasn’t happened much in recent seasons. Traore looked great when he came on. Brooks played some intelligent passes. Semenyo looks a fantastic player this season, so far. And the two new fullbacks look great. We looked a bit overrun in midfield at times, but that’s not a big surprise considering we’re playing without a recognised holding midfielder.
And even though we lost, going 1-0 up at Anfield was magic. – To join the conversation, click here.
