Monday 26 September 2016

AFCB have found last season's form and their own identity

There were some very clear points by Eddie Howe that were made after the win against Everton. He was under a lot of pressure from recent results and was keen to impress that this side is not the same as previous sides, but that it is finding its own identity and a way to play against the top sides. It may have only been three points but it was as if a great burden had been lifted from the team and that they can now press on.

AFCB just may have found themselves and a way of
playing that suits against the top sides.
I think it is easy for fans to want instant results and yet the side has been undergoing a transition right before us, over the summer, and the early part of this season. The characters that have left the dressing room were strong ones in Ritchie and Elphick, and there needed to be an inner desire from this coming into also bond with their new team-mates and do something together to give them a platform. It came in this game against Everton, because it was a game when the Cherries were really up against it to hold on for the win. They felt the pressure together, dug in and kept Everton out. That was a more impressive win than the win against WBA, and it gives the players something to pull on in future knowing that they can keep a good side coming back at them.

Now the Cherries have more focal points than they did last season. With the old guard of Arter and Surman keeping the stability, there are exciting elements to what AFCB can do in attack as Jack Wilshere ad Jordan Ibe tend to try the exceptional, and that has already started to rub off on Arter's game when we watch that through pass to Junior Stanislas in the Everton match. Harry is raising his game with the need to hold his place and it will be even more amazing if he can raise his standard further as he is already a main component of AFCB's success.

Now the side is starting to put its roots down. The players know they can win games and they have to see if they can win back-to-back wins by carrying their high standards through to the Watford game. It is going to be a gradual progression for this team but Junior Stanislas' goal has given them lift off and I'm excited at what will come next.

Premier Talk: Stoke City fans should not fret just yet

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