AFC Bournemouth
Eddie Howe has provided his thoughts on AFC Bournemouth’s 3-0 win against MK Dons in the second round of the Carabao Cup.
First-half goals from Lys Mousset and Ryan Fraser, as well as a stoppage time strike from Jordan Ibe ensured a convincing and comfortable victory for the Cherries.
In his post-match press conference, Howe gave the written press his view of the following topics.
THE TEAM PERFORMANCE
I’m pleased as these are always difficult games and MK Dons have had a good start to the season so we were anticipating a tough game but I was really pleased with the attitude of the players to approach the game in the way that we did.
The first half was really intense and we were very good in and out of possession. The game slowed down in the second half which was a little bit frustrating for us but in the end we’re very pleased.
INDIVIDUALS
Ryan Fraser’s had a really good start to the season, capped off with a really good goal today. He wanted to play tonight, so with Marc Pugh’s hamstring injury I felt we should play someone who wanted to play.
I was very pleased with him and he’s been rewarded with a goal so that will do him the world of good again.
Jack Simpson looked very composed, I can’t remember him giving the ball away. Aerially he was fine. A good performance when you consider he’s so young and has limited experience.
Football can change so quickly if you’re prepared to show good attitude and work hard like Jack has. Every player in our squad has got to be ready to play in the Premier League and I think Jack will fall in that bracket.
THE NEW SIGNINGS
Both of our new players – Diego Rico and Jefferson Lerma - did really well. It’s very difficult to come straight into a game and settle in. It will do them the world of good just to have that experience today to feel what it’s like to play for Bournemouth. They both acquitted themselves very well.
COMPETITION FOR PLACES
There’s plenty to go away and think about from my perspective. We’ve got a tough game at Chelsea to come, we’ve started the season very well and I really wanted the players today to perform well to give me those extra selection problems and to try and see who can fit into the team.
Everyone’s in contention to play, they’ve come through the game okay fitness-wise and it was a positive night for them.
A couple of players came to me saying they wanted to be involved, so that’s great attitude from the players that some of them wanted to go again. From my perspective, you want players who want to play and I think that showed tonight. They showed great attitude in what was going to be a tough game.
All the team contributed well in an attacking sense. We scored three goals and could have scored more so I was pleased with that.
INJURIES
Lys Mousset looks like he’s twisted his ankle. I don’t know how serious it is but it was enough for him to limp off around the pitch so I think it was reasonably serious but we’ll have to wait and see. Marc Pugh may miss this weekend at Chelsea but should be available after the international break.
