IT was for Harry.Beating Manchester United on home soil is a great victory in any football team's history.
But for Cherries fans, the greatest source of pride on Saturday came from the team's unstinting support for midfielder Harry Arter.
Today's Echo front page
Harry and his partner tragically lost their baby at birth last week, with all the team donning black armbands on Saturday out of respect for the family.
- Eddie: "For Harry to play the way he did, I can't credit him enough"
- AFC Bournemouth 2 Manchester United 1 as it happened
- In Pictures: Our photographer's 19 favourite shots from the game
- Team gave Harry Arter "standing ovation" in the dressing room
Images of manager Eddie Howe embracing his courageous player have sparked thousands of proud comments from dedicated supporters praising the bravery shown by Harry and unity displayed by the team.
Following the historic victory, fellow Cherries players, and chairman Jeff Mostyn dedicated the win to Harry and his family.
Charlie Daniels, seen here holding his team mate at the end of the match, tweeted: "Yesterday was all for @HarryArter2.
"To show that amount of courage not only to play but the level of his performance was exceptional.
"You made your family and every fan proud. It is an honour to play aside you and witness your bravery."
Yesterday was all for @HarryArter2 . To show that amount of courage not only to play but the level of his performance was exceptional! 1/2
— charlie daniels (@chazdaniels13) December 13, 2015
Defender Steve Cook said: "Very emotional week. We showed we're more than just a team."
After he scored, Junior Stanislas, took off his armband and ran towards Harry, dedicating the goal to him.
Lee Tomlin also tweeted yesterday, saying: "So much respect for this guy."
And Jeff Mostyn said: "H yesterday was for you. You're an inspiration to everyone @afcbournemouth love to you both from everyone at the club."
@HarryArter2 H yesterday was for you. Your an inspiration to everyone @afcbournemouth love to you both from everyone at the club.
— Jeff Mostyn (@jeffmostyn) December 13, 2015
Speaking to the club's Cherries Player after the game, Harry said: "I just felt that coming in and trying to take my mind off things would make it a little bit easier, and my family would want me to play.
"While people maybe grieve in their own way, I found it easier to come in and play and try and do everyone proud."
He thanked fans and the club for their support as well, after fans sang his name throughout the game.
Hundreds of fans tweeted their best wishes to him over the weekend.
@HarryArter2 sorry for your loss. Footy unimportant. You proved yourself a man amongst men this week. Pls pass my wishes to ur lass. Best2u
— Danny Stewart (@Flixtondan) December 13, 2015
@HarryArter2 my 9 year old son scored 6 goals today in his match. He said he played thinking of you !!!
— chris conrath (@chrisconrath) December 13, 2015
@HarryArter2 thank you. @afcbournemouth loves you. You are an inspiration. This town is thinking of you 🍒🍒🍒
— Argie#10 UTCIAD (@FlorCamin) December 13, 2015
@HarryArter2 epitomises everything that is @afcbournemouth #TogetherAnythingIsPossible #afcb
— Mike (@Haykey1AFCB) December 13, 2015
@HarryArter2 defined courage and strength today - what a man, what a player, inspiring, so proud - everyone is thinking of you
— Steve Borg (@steve_borg) December 12, 2015
@HarryArter2 What an absolute hero - never been more proud of an #afcb player. Thoughts with you & family.
— Joe Lockhart (@JoeyL14) December 12, 2015
@afcbournemouth @HarryArter2 this says it all... #afcb #totalrespect #love #togetheranythingispossible ⚽🍒❤ pic.twitter.com/7ZSl2RjzMK
— Charlie Loveday (@lovelyloveday) December 13, 2015
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel