AFC Bournemouth
Adam Smith has described AFC Bournemouth’s memorable win over Manchester United as the best in their recent history.
The Cherries triumphed 3-0 against the 20-time champions of England at Old Trafford thanks to goals from Dom Solanke, Philip Billing and Marcos Senesi.
Smith played his part as Andoni Iraola’s team defended heroically to preserve their half-time lead, Solanke’s fine finish making it 1-0 after five minutes.
And after weathering a storm at the start of the second half, Billing and Senesi both netted headers in the space of five minutes to seal a famous victory.
Smith is the Cherries’ record appearance-maker in the Premier League, the 32-year-old playing his 188th game for the club in the top flight against the Red Devils.
Asked by BBC Radio Solent’s Kris Temple where the win rated in the club’s recent history, Smith replied: “I’d say it’s number one.
“I mean, it’s the Theatre of Dreams and we had never won here. It was tough at times and we suffered. But we were playing Manchester United.
“I think the lads will remember it for a long time. We kept a clean sheet and it probably should have maybe have been 4-0. It was unbelievable for the fans.
“We just came with a little bit of arrogance and confidence. We’ve got so many quick and dangerous players and are lethal up front.
“We know that if we can stay in a game, they are going to make chances and that’s what the attackers did today and credit to them. Also, the defence did amazingly so the all-round performance was ten out of ten.
“We were suffering a lot and were defending for long periods. People who haven’t played the game, it’s like you’re suffocating, you don’t get a breather.
“They were putting pressure on us, the crowd were getting behind them at certain times and we just kept that clean sheet. Everyone dug in, everyone defended and on the counter, we were so dangerous.”
