AFC Bournemouth
AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has discussed his side’s 3-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup Third Round at Vitality Stadium.
The Cherries never looked like progressing in the competition, as first half goals from Anthony Knockaert and Yves Bissouma saw the visitors go into the break with a 2-0 lead.
Bournemouth responded via Marc Pugh’s impressive second-half strike, but Florin Andone made sure of the win with 25 minutes remaining.
Talking to the media during his post-match press conference, Howe commented on the following topics...
THE NATURE OF THE DEFEAT...
It follows the pattern of recent weeks where for half an hour I thought we were the better team but didn’t break them down well enough or ask more questions of their goalkeeper. We were fine in the game and then suddenly, with their first shot on target, Brighton score. We wobbled a bit, conceded again, and from then it was a tough afternoon.
Games always swing on small moments and we hadn’t created an abundance of chances but the one that came just before their first goal was a key moment in the match. We haven’t been clinical at one end and we’ve been easy to score against at the other so that needs to change.
We’re going to go away and work on the training ground for the first time in a long time and try to put everything right.
NATHANIEL CLYNE'S BOURNEMOUTH DEBUT...
It was a good performance from Nathaniel. It’s very difficult to come into the team when you haven’t had a training session with your team-mates, but he acquitted himself well. He learned on the job regarding how we play. Defensively, he was excellent.
He’s a player with huge experience and undoubtable ability so he was the obvious candidate for us when the transfer window opened.
THE SIGNING OF SOLANKE...
Dominic Solanke will bring a slightly different dynamic to our front line. He’s got the ability to hold the ball up and link play. He’s technically gifted and is very good in the air from crosses which is something we’ll certainly utilise.
At present, he has a minor hamstring problem so he’ll miss most of January I would imagine, but we’ll try to get him back for February.
