Five things spotted from AFC Bournemouth's defeat to Crystal Palace

Eagles duo Jordan Ayew and Eberechi Eze scored from corners in the first-half in a poor performance from Cherries.

The game itself poured cold water on what was viewed as the first proper signs of a new era on the south coast, with Bill Foley in attendance, alongside new minority owner Michael B Jordan.

Whilst that excitement dissipated over the course of the 90 minutes, here were five things we spotted during (and before) the encounter.

Bill Foley and Michael B Jordan introducted to fans

It makes sense to start with Foley and Jordan, the two big names from America fans swarmed upon their arrival at the ground.

Whilst Foley is not the household name that Jordan carries, he is the main financer of the new regime, installed as the central figure of chairman.

His predecessor, Jeff Mostyn, was also in attendance in his role as club ambassador.

It was A-lister Jordan’s first game at the Vitality, after taking in Cherries’ defeat at Stamford Bridge earlier this week.

Heightened pre-match entertainment 

With Hollywood stardust and Las Vegas glitz and glamour in the air, perhaps there was no surprise that the pre-match entertainment was cranked up a few levels. A lengthy montage whiplashing between different songs including ‘Viva Las Vegas’ highlighted some of the more memorable Cherries moments over the past decade or so.

The wet and dismal conditions might have limited Foley and Jordan’s introduction to the Cherries faithful, plans of a walk to the centre circle rained off and reined in, the duo instead saluting fans from the dugout.

To warm up fans further there were pyrotechnics before kick off, huge flames hopefully signalling the start of a new era with a bang.

There was also a minutes’ applause for the legendary Pele.

Tactical shape remains fluid and hard to pin down

Cherries are yet to settle under a specific shape under Gary O’Neil, injuries, suspension, and tactical decisions necessitating the switch between three and four in defence throughout the campaign.

At Chelsea, the 3-4-2-1 that was well carved open by the Blues in the first half was switched to a 4-4-2 at the break, allowing Cherries to get forward with more penetration.

It appears against Palace, the four-man defence would quickly become a trio at the back when the hosts had the ball, Jordan Zemura pushing up to left-wing back, whilst Jaidon Anthony operated in a similar capacity on the right-hand flank.

However, when the ball was lost, they would settle into two banks of four in a 4-4-2, Anthony on the right-wing with Phil Billing on the left.

All of that was ripped up in the second period, Kieffer Moore was deployed as the highest attacker, Dom Solanke dropping into the hole behind, flanked by Anthony and substitute Siriki Dembele in what became a 4-2-3-1.

Dembele in from the cold?

Dembele’s introduction as a first-half sub was a surprise to many. Billing had sat down briefly 10 minutes earlier, but appeared to be set to continue.

As he usually does off the bench, Dembele provided a spark and a willingness to beat his man, although Cherries were unable to capitalise upon his introduction.

In the absence of Tavernier there have been calls for the diminutive attacker to be given a run in the team from fans.

His appearances come somewhat of a surprise, considering he was heavily linked with a move to Turkey at the end of the summer transfer window, and hardly used since O’Neil took charge of the side.

With Cherries making a lot of noise in regard to incomings this January, it makes sense that Dembele, on the periphery of the squad, would be one the club would look to move on.

The early introduction of Dembele saw him eclipse his season total of minutes – 40 across the span of four games – and hint that perhaps he still has a role to play under O’Neil.

Set-piece woes continue

Two first-half goals from set-pieces was not a good look for Cherries, but it is not a surprise. Cherries have now conceded 12 times from either free-kicks or corners, and when combined with the five penalties converted against them, they have shipped 17 goals from dead ball situations.

Woeful marking allowed Ayew to nod home ahead of a queue of white shirts at a corner, the second also stemming from another corner.

A short ball out to the edge of the area allowed Eze ample time and space to slot the ball home to leave Cherries looking well-beaten at the break.

No Premier League club have conceded more this campaign, with Cherries routinely unable to prevent teams at corners.