CHERRIES snatched a memorable 3-3 draw against Everton at the Vitality Stadium yesterday. Here, we look at the crucial aspects.
ATTITUDE WAS SPOT-ON
Until the referee blows the final whistle, there is always hope.
Cherries had a matter of seconds to score after Ross Barkley netted but the hosts went for it and duly gained their reward.
This after they had already come back from the dead once in pulling back a two-goal deficit in the final 10 minutes.
Lesser teams would have folded but not Eddie Howe’s men. The fight and desire in the side was fully in evidence.
THE IMPACT OF SUBS
Howe can reflect with pride on Cherries’ three changes – not least because two of the substitutes were heavily involved in all three goals.
Adam Smith’s strike was sensational and Glenn Murray’s quick free-kick in the build-up to the second was crucial, as was Smith’s purposeful play moments before Cherries’ third.
Smith, in particular, may have taken a huge step towards a starting place next time out.
A BETTER BIRTHDAY
Eddie Howe claimed before the clash with the Toffees that he would only be able to enjoy his 38th birthday if Cherries got a result.
And while Howe’s managerial commitments may not permit him an extended celebration today, he can feel safe in the knowledge that he has fully earned a slice of birthday cake.
MOMENT OF THE MATCH
To pick anything other than Junior Stanislas’s 98th-minute leveller would plainly be ridiculous.
Huge credit should go to Smith and Daniels for their roles in the goal, Smith driving forward before picking out the full-back, whose cross was inch-perfect.
Decent finish, too, from a man hardly known for his heading.
MOAN OF THE MATCH
It’s the broken-record complaint at the Vitality Stadium this season. Yet more injuries.
Already hit by the long-term absences of Max Gradel, Callum Wilson, Tyrone Mings and Tommy Elphick, another two injuries were added to the list against Everton as Harry Arter and Adam Federici were forced off.
The Federici problem is of particular concern given Artur Boruc’s nagging knee complaint, leaving Cherries short of cover in the goalkeeper department.
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