On Wednesday night AFC Bournemouth travelled to Stamford Bridge, bidding to make the final four of a major cup competition for the first time in the clubs history.
But whilst a snippet of history for the Cherries was on the line, AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe stuck to his principles in regards to cup competitions and made several changes to his starting XI.
Artur Boruc took his place in goal and youth team graduate Jack Simpson stepped into the defence, whilst usual defensive lynchpin Nathan Ake was moved into midfield.
Written by AFCB_Liam
Really proud of the effort and how we coped with the pressure, although the first 10 minutes were horrible, we kept giving it straight back to them!
Boruc very good but some terrible distribution mixed in there. Ibe was decent but still some poor decision making. Simpson was excellent, as was David Brooks. I still can’t work Diego Rico out but definitely improved and looks like a run of games might see him really kick on.
They had the luxury of bringing on Hazard and Pedro to turn the screw and it just about worked. Unlucky with the scramble at the end. Onwards to the Brighton game!
AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe told afcb.co.uk…
“…We put in a disciplined defensive display, counter-attacked well and we used the ball well at times. The result really could’ve been different, I’m so disappointed for those players who gave their all out on the pitch.
“At 0-0 we looked more than capable and had our moments, we just couldn’t get that one moment to score. There are so many positives to take…”
“…One of the positives is our squad, there were players who hadn’t played regularly who did really well and it shows the strength in the squad…”
“…Artur Boruc was outstanding, it doesn’t surprise me as he’s a player who always rises to the occasion and he thrives on the sternest tests…”
Your say…
MMP wrote…
It was an amazing atmosphere created by vocal Bournemouth fans Wednesday night, the team were so unlucky not to get into a penalty shootout. Boruc, the big pole in the goal was excellent as was Brooks, what a signing, but not disappointed with any, Ibe had a great match as did Ake in midfield and Simpson was calm at the back as it felt like the team’s determination to win ball had returned. Great match to watch, pity we couldn’t have put one of those superb team moves into the net.
At the end, Brooks and Ibe generously passed shirts to young fans. Deserved more, we were let down by officials. (again). Such a great team to watch & support when they’re on their game! Well done for that effort! – Join the conversation, click here.
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