CHERRIES thumped Fulham 5-1 at Craven Cottage tonight. Here we look back at the crucial aspects. 

PITMAN HAS THE PACE AND POISE

No matter what Brett Pitman does in a Cherries shirt, there will always be a select few he cannot win over.

Any doubters should refer to footage of this game.

He was in the right place at the right time, like all good strikers should be, to round off a beautiful team move for the first.

As for the second, has another Championship striker scored a more refined individual goal? Left three defenders trailing in his wake and applied a perfectly-placed finish.

What more can you ask of a striker?

A CHANGE IS AS GOOD AS A REST

One or two eyebrows were raised when players such as Marc Pugh and Matt Ritchie were rested recently but Cherries have reaped the rewards in the past two matches.

Pugh looked refreshed and Ritchie was back to his unplayable best as the verve and swagger returned.

AND DON’T FORGET THE FIRST 30 MINUTES

The way Cherries dismantled a Fulham side packed with Premier League talent will live in the memory for a long time.

Before that, though, Cherries had to battle. The first goal was key in a keenly contested, competitive match.

Despite one or two scares at 0-0, Eddie Howe’s men manfully stood up to the challenge. Cherries have rediscovered that resolute edge.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

THAT goal by Brett Pitman.

Steve Cook’s thunderbolt was a beauty but the sheer intent to go for goal despite being surrounded by defenders spoke volumes for the Jerseyman.

MOAN OF THE MATCH

Over to Mr Howe... 

“The goal we conceded was disappointing but I can’t be picky beyond that. I was very pleased with the players.”

Disagree? Comment below or tweet me @amitchellecho