CHERRIES had to be content with a point after letting a two-goal lead slip at Swansea. Here, we address the key factors of the performance...
MIDFIELD MAESTROS
The recently-forged centre-midfield partnership between Andrew Surman, Dan Gosling and Harry Arter flourished at the Liberty Stadium.
The balance works well. Surman is a technician, Arter is a destructor and a creator, Gosling is a driving force and a goal threat.
Buoyed by the confidence that a run of games has given, Gosling is in his best form since arriving at Cherries.
He looks like the final piece of the centre-midfield jigsaw.
MINI-LEAGUE POSITIVES
The likes of Swansea and Newcastle could well be among Cherries’ rivals to avoid the drop as the season progresses and Eddie Howe’s side dominated both of them.
Granted, one point out of six was not what was required but the manager’s philosophy is clearly working – albeit it has not been justly rewarded.
No one could have argued with a six-point return from the past two fixtures and it bodes well that Cherries are pushing those around them so hard.
If they continue in that manner, soon the pendulum will swing in their favour.
KING OFF THE MARK
In his 13th competitive appearance for Cherries, King finally broke his duck and it must have come as a major relief.
The Norwegian international had given a lively display against Newcastle a fortnight previously but added a much-needed goal to that in Wales.
It was tougher finish than it might have initially appeared, the striker steering expertly beyond Lukasz Fabianski despite being off-balance as he connected.
King proved a handful for Swansea centre-backs Ashley Williams and Kyle Bartley all afternoon. An improved performer of late.
MOMENT OF THE MATCH
Cherries’ second goal was a thing of beauty.
The audacity of Charlie Daniels’s surging run and the composure of his pass inside to Harry Arter. Matt Ritchie’s patience and perfect delivery. Dan Gosling’s well-timed run and stunning finish.
A truly memorable goal.
MOAN OF THE MATCH
It wasn’t a penalty, or even close.
If Simon Francis touched Andre Ayew – and it really looked like he didn’t – then that level of contact hardly justified a spot-kick.
It might have seemed a penalty from referee Andre Marriner’s view but it wasn’t. End of.
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