Another poor performance – but there was a silver lining

I enjoy walks in the spring sunshine as much as the next person, but I don’t like having to pay to have the privilege of watching others stroll around. Sadly this is what I had to do when it came to watching AFC Bournemouth in the first half against Liverpool at the weekend.

It was another poor performance to add to the recently growing list, this time against a largely second string Liverpool side. Our 2-1 defeat to The Reds at Dean Court was by and large a depressing experience, only enlivened by an improved second half display and an impressive individual performance from Josh King.

I mentioned in my preview of the game that we couldn’t afford to put in another display akin to the ones against Tottenham, Manchester City, or Aston Villa – but in the first half it was as if none of our players had taken any notice my words (fancy that!).

There was a lack of drive and spirit present throughout, but we appeared to be let off the hook due to the fact that Liverpool played a side of reserves and kids. The game was terribly scrappy, and in the first forty minutes there was little quality or cohesion on show from either side.

We sadly couldn’t make it to half time and reshuffle our pack though, as two quick-fire goals from Roberto Firmino and Daniel Sturridge just before the break saw us facing a two goal mountain to climb. In my opinion is what exactly what we deserved for not relishing the opportunity to cement our safety and tear into a Liverpool side that seemed to be there for the taking.

We did improve in the second half, and carved out some good opportunities – but by then it was simply far too late. Leaving the ground there was a general feeling of disappointment and a real opportunity missed to beat Liverpool for the first time in our history.

Perhaps it’s a little cruel to be too critical of the team though, especially as the squad has done so well to get us to safety with so many games left to play – but I just hope that we can put in some better displays in the next four games so we don’t end this season on a sour note.

I would be remiss not to mention the most (only?) enjoyable aspect of the match (from an AFCB perspective) as well, namely watching the almost scarily rapid improvement of Josh King. Ever since November his development into becoming our main striker has been wonderful to see, and he’s evolving from not only being a physical and tireless runner up top – but also a hugely confident finisher.

His goal at the death was wonderfully taken, and he also showed several great touches and held the ball up well throughout – at times in the first half he was almost a one man show, setting up and looking to finish chances all by himself.

In the post-match interview King did admit that it took him some time to adapt to what Eddie Howe says is “our way” of playing and training, but that he is now “comfortable and feels like I’m part of a good hard working team.”

It’s ultimately great to see a player improve so rapidly, and I only hope we can keep a hold of him to see him potentially blossom into one of the Premier League’s best strikers.