AFCB Vital Match Zone

Preston North End v AFCB – Highlights & Reaction

|
Image for Preston North End v AFCB – Highlights & Reaction

AFC Bournemouth travelled to Preston North End on Saturday with Cherries manager Jonathan Woodgate working on the mantra that “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”, opting to stick with a settled side that has brought about a turnaround in results.

Arnaut Danjuma scored the opening goal of the game and everything had looked like the three points were heading back to the south coast, until a defensive mistake from AFC Bournemouth captain Steve Cook gifted the home side an equaliser.

Man of the match against Preston?

Lerma

Lerma

Danjuma

Danjuma

Solanke

Solanke

Kelly

Kelly

AFC Bournemouth manager Jonathan Woodgate told Sky Sports after the game…

“We’re really frustrated. I thought our first-half performance was terrific. I thought we could have been two or three goals up at half-time. Their keeper made some outstanding saves. We need to put those games to bed and then the second half comes back to bite you. Steve Cook has been top drawer for me this season but you make a mistake and get punished for it. He’ll bounce back from it. There is not a shadow of doubt about that.

“I’m disappointed we didn’t put the game to bed. There’ll be no-one as disappointed as he is. He has been fantastic in the games that I have been here. He has been a leader and he’ll bounce back.”

northstandmark wrote…

Woodgate’s game plan was going ok. He can’t force us to find the final ball or finish first half.

Woodgate choose to stick second half rather than twist and was relying on us getting the counter-attacking 2nd goal. You can argue that we should have been more assertive. But if we don’t concede such a silly mistake from the captain at such a silly time, then there’s every chance we do get those counter chances in the last 10-15 mins.

I don’t think Woodgate is the long term messiah, but I can see what he’s trying to do and what he was looking for today. Players let him down today, rather than the other way around.

Weymouth-Boy wrote…

It isn’t just Woodgate that couldn’t get a tune out of these players. I keep wondering whether it’s the players’ attitude or is our squad overrated. We keep saying we have the best squad in the division but if we are honest the top four look miles better than us.

Jimmy 306 wrote…

You got it spot on, this team lacks ambition and drive. They play some good football but need a good honest look at themselves. If you look at the top of the table they want to win every game even though they don’t have the best squad. they play at pace with forwards that are not afraid to take on a defender. We don’t seem to be able to hold a lead, we always make a stupid mistake that let the opposition in. Jonathan Woodgate seems to make poor decisions with substitutes, Long should not have come on. How about Anthony? We keep hearing how good the young lads are but they never get a chance.

BoscombeCherry wrote…

My biggest concern is our inability to change things up. I’m of the opinion that we’ve got some very good players but we’re one dimensional. All of our wingers are the same, for example. Not one of them can go outside and deliver. That’s ok if your full backs can overlap well which, right now, they’re not. Teams can suss us out too easily. – Join the conversation, click here.

Share this article

DJ

Up The Cherries!

Leave a comment

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