Thursday 25 February 2016

Who is going to get the goals?

We have seen the Cherries squander chances in many games this season but I felt that Eddie Howe was more than a little surprised that the team had not scored against Everton. The saved penalty is one thing, but the attacking players that were picked to try and test Joel Rubles in goal were not anymore exact in their shots on target than the Cherries had been against Stoke City in the previous league match.
Is Gosling's missed headed opportunity against Everton going to cost him his place?
It is quality as well as fighting spirit that will get the Cherries safe this season. Not enough quality in front of goal has been seen of late. I can't say that AFCB have been that unlucky in their current run, they just have not hit top gear. AFCB need all their players to be on song. It is amazing that Callum Wilson still sits equal top of the team's scoring chart and while the goals have been spread around the team, everyone has to start delivering more in front of goal. At the moment most hopes are pinned on Benik Afobe, but he will not score in every game and it will be of great interest to see who else will chip in.

Matt Ritchie has started to shoot more often again and while Junior Stanislas and Dan Gosling are getting in positions to score they could do with a goal just to clear their minds. I find it harder to speak about Glenn Murray as he surely is one of the players that Eddie Howe knows can and probably score vital goals for the team if he is given an opportunity. His time though looks set to be limited to last 20 minute appearances, just like Kenwyne Jones was used last season. It may be enough to get the goals AFCB need. For all Murray's ragged style, I kind of think if the ball drops to him near goal he's going to score or at least make the keeper work and that is harder to say about Josh King or Junior Stanislas at the moment. Come on lads prove me wrong.

At least Eddie Howe has some options now and with Marc Pugh always likely to spring a goal and the fast improving Juan Iturbe pushing for more game time, AFCB fans should not be too downhearted even if it may yet be some time before we see Max Gradel and Callum Wilson.

So Eddie has to make players feel that they are going to score in games more than ever now. The dream of a second season in the Premier League depends on it to a very large extent. I still believe that the team has some big performances in it, but the wins will only come if they start working the opposition keepers harder.

Transfer news
I am pleased to see that more AFCB U21 players are getting a chance to play on loan. The latest opportunity has come for Josh Wakefield who will play for Walsall in League One until teh end of teh season.

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