Brentford 3-2 Bournemouth: Reasons to be cheerful despite fightbackpublished at 19:28 9 November
19:28 9 November
Ben Collins BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Reuters
It was little wonder that Bournemouth made a bright start at Brentford having earned seven points from their previous three games - against Manchester City, Arsenal and Aston Villa no less.
After the hosts equalised for a second time early in the second half, they ultimately proved too strong for the Cherries, but there was still plenty that pleased manager Andoni Iraola.
They produced two well-worked corner routines, with one producing a great chance for defender Marcos Senesi at 0-0 and the other the goal for Justin Kluivert to make it 2-1.
And while Bournemouth's opener was a gift, Brazilian striker Evanilson finished it off well for his fourth goal in six games.
That was his only clear-cut opportunity, though, so the Cherries' record signing will need continued support from the likes of Kluivert and Antoine Semenyo if Bournemouth are to put together another unbeaten run.
'The game was what we expected, but I think we've been better'published at 18:12 9 November
18:12 9 November
Image source, Getty Images
Andoni Iraola spoke to Sky Sports after Bournemouth's defeat against Brentford: "It's frustrating because I think that, more or less, the game was what we expected. It was quite an open game with moments for both teams, but I think we've been better. We've been ahead two times and to finish losing this game, also considering the last chance we had, it's a bad feeling because I think we played well.
"We had two very good chances from routines from corners, with one goal, but also we've conceded from a throw-in and then the kick-off after we scored to make it 2-1. After playing very well in the first half especially, to lose this game is hard. For me it was a clear penalty as well [on Evanilson]."
This is the first time Bournemouth have lost a Premier League game in which they have led twice, while it’s now three defeats in their last four league matches on the road.
Sutton's predictions: Brentford v Bournemouthpublished at 09:25 9 November
09:25 9 November
Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches this season, against a variety of guests.
For week 11 he takes on Mylee and Tate from CBBC football drama Jamie Johnson FC (JJFC).
Sutton's prediction: 1-1
This is going to be a great game between two in-form teams, but how on earth do I call it?
Bournemouth have just taken seven points off Arsenal, Aston Villa and Manchester City, while Brentford have got the best home record in the Premier League this season.
I was a bit worried about the Cherries when they sold striker Dominic Solanke to Tottenham in the summer because they had to replace his goals, but the whole team has been chipping in and they have had some special results that will live long in the memory for their fans.
I'm basing this prediction on Bournemouth's recent form and confidence, but I still don't think Brentford will be beaten at home. With Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo, they carry a real threat and I always expect them to score.
The readers will go for a draw, no doubt about it... and I am doing the same.
Mylee's prediction: 1-1
I’m going for a draw here too.
Tate's prediction: 2-2
These are two middle-of-the-table teams and I don’t think there is going to be a lot separating them.
Iraola on Sinisterra's injury, away form and Brentfordpublished at 09:46 8 November
09:46 8 November
Josh Lobley BBC Sport journalist
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Brentford (kick-off 15:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
On players returning: "The only player who will recover is Kepa [Arrizabalaga]. It's too early for Dango [Ouattara] - it will be safer to leave him to recover. [Luis] Sinisterra has had a small setback so he will take more time than Dango."
Iraola confirmed that Sinisterra's injury is similar to one that he has had before: "His case worries me more because it's more of a hamstring injury, which he has had previously. He has tried this week but he is not feeling well. He will need more time."
He spoke on Evanilson's recent goalscoring form: "We are starting to understand him a little bit better and he is starting to create connections with his team-mates. He's always alert, has good movement and we can surprise the opposition at any moment with him."
On Milos Kerkez: "With the offensive volume that he provides, it would be normal for him to have more numbers. He is providing us a lot of threat there. The defensive side is the most important thing, but the offensive contribution helps a lot."
On Saturday's opponents: "We play a very difficult game. They have an almost perfect record at home and are the third or fourth [highest] scoring team in the competition. The demands of the game are going to be super high."
Iraola seemed satisfied with his side's away performances so far this season: "I think we've been decent away. Five points from five games against very difficult teams. It's not any guarantee for the next game - we have to continue to be competitive."
Should Cook be in the mix for England?published at 12:33 7 November
12:33 7 November
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for one thing involving Bournemouth that people are not talking about but should be.
Here are some of your comments:
Robin: The Lewis Cook / Ryan Christie partnership in central midfield. Why Lewis Cook isn't in the conversation for England on his performances the past 15 months is beyond belief.
Lucas: Outside of our fanbase, there is nowhere near enough discussion about Cook and his potential for an England call-up. His performances this season have more than merited it.
Stanley: Our attacking four get much of the credit, and rightly so, they're great. But they couldn't do it without the foundation of Cook and Christie. Both have been consistently great working together for a year now, and if one has a problem I am more than happy to see Alex Scott come in (there were no issues against Arsenal). One thing though, I would like to see David Brooks play.
Harry: The biggest issue I see is our players and staff being poached. In recent years the club have showed great success in replacing key staff, but performances this season have increased the attention paid to Andoni Iraola, as well as Antoine Semenyo, Milos Kerkez, Illia Zabarnyi and co. I trust and hope the club are equipped to potentially deal with such large-scale change in the summer.
David: I don't think I heard anyone mention how well Zabarnyi handled Erling Haaland. Not an inch conceded!
'There is no financial pressure to sell'published at 11:17 6 November
11:17 6 November
Mark Mitchener BBC Sport senior journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Having flown under the radar for most of this season, Bournemouth have taken seven points from a possible nine in a run of games against three Champions League teams – culminating in a first victory over their previously unconquered foe, Manchester City, in the 22nd league and cup meeting between the sides.
Meanwhile, owner Bill Foley reaffirmed in his programme notes on Saturday that the ambition for a bigger stadium remains on track, as their new training ground at Canford Magna nears completion.
And he has given his strongest indication yet that he favours a new build, close to the current ground in King's Park, rather than redeveloping Vitality Stadium.
"The hope is to transfer the players across to the new [training] site early in the next year, then we can begin to further discuss our options for stadium development," Foley wrote.
"We have been in talks regarding the construction of a new ground on the current training pitches. We think this is the best route for us to take and we continue to explore the costs of doing so, while engaging in meaningful discussions with the council."
One other consequence of the Cherries' run of form will be the increased transfer speculation around their star players – with the likes of Antoine Semenyo, Milos Kerkez and Illia Zabarnyi likely to be attracting suitors with deeper pockets than Foley.
So while Andoni Iraola's side continue to defy expectations and smash glass ceilings above them, as they target a top-half finish, fans will hope the squad makes it through January unscathed, even if a too-big-to-turn-down offer for a player materialises next summer.
Sparks flypublished at 18:31 5 November
18:31 5 November
Henry Brownsey BBC Sport journalist
There were bits of wizardry.
Image source, Getty Images
From magical players.
Image source, Getty Images
There were rockets.
Image source, Getty Images
And bangers.
Image source, Getty Images
Landmarks.
Image source, Getty Images
And clangers.
Image source, Getty Images
While some Guy's like Ruud are always remembered.
Image source, Getty Images
'Is the shirt now Travers' to lose?'published at 12:26 5 November
12:26 5 November
Tom Jordan Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Bournemouth continued to shock the Premier League by ending Manchester City's unbeaten start to the season with a heroic display by all in a Cherries shirt.
With that win coming off the back of an impressive point at Aston Villa, it would be easy for many to miss the fact that Bournemouth's 'number one' Kepa Arrizabalaga has been out for both fixtures.
Mark Travers has been the man to deputise between the sticks - and just like on previous occasions, he has performed absolute wonders.
Most recently, it was an assured display against the champions, including a late, point-blank save from Erling Haaland which ensured Travers backed up his player of the match display at Villa Park in impressive fashion. So, is the shirt now his to lose?
He has been with the club since he was a kid, and when Mark made his Bournemouth debut back in 2019, he became the first teenage goalkeeper since Joe Hart to start a Premier League match (he was magnificent in victory that day too).
He has since enjoyed loan spells with Swindon Town and Stoke City respectively, and despite being a 'back-up' for the Cherries, they have always seemed reluctant to let the Irishman walk out of the door permanently.
It has been an ongoing trend for Travers where he sits patiently waiting for his chance and, when called upon, he shows the fans and coaches that he can wholeheartedly be relied on with accomplished showings. But then, before we know it, he is back playing understudy.
Is it time he leaves permanently to try to flourish elsewhere, or should be given the chance to keep the shirt?
We hope the latter, but either way, Cherries fans are more than happy that he has got the gloves on.
Bournemouth 2-1 Man City - the fans' verdictpublished at 11:27 4 November
11:27 4 November
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Bournemouth and Manchester City.
Here are some of your comments:
Bournemouth fans:
Rob: A monkey off our back with the City win! Can you really now say, "it was an off day for City" and also, "an off day" in the Arsenal game? And... were Villa also having an "off day"? I think Bournemouth deserve more credit. Up the Cherries.
Steve: A tremendous performance from the Cherries. Iraola’s tactics were played out to perfection and rather than go for the low block many teams use against City, Cherries played their natural attacking game and took it to the champions from the first minute. Still buzzing 24 hours later. Europa Conference spot could be in reach.
Derek: Another great performance, seven points from three top teams. As seems to be often the case the result is portrayed as being due to top team being off par rather than Bournemouth playing well and taking the game to the opposition. Iraola has instilled a belief and collective teamwork that does not give up and works from start to finish. Joy to watch.
Peter: A historic win. I think we knew as fans that we can beat anyone at home. We have to keep hold of Semenyo and Kerkez. Evanilson is fitting in well. I hope the last three games give the team the belief that they can challenge in the top half of the table. Iraola is a magician!
Man City fans:
Suraj: Very disappointing, don’t understand why the performance was so flat. I know we’ve got injuries, but we still had a strong side. Not sure why more were not used, maybe Pep’s worried about more injuries. Liverpool I think are the ones to look out for as unlike us they came back from behind. I'm just not feeling confident for this season.
Abdullah: City were off it today. Until Jeremy Doku came on we were actually horrendous and were shown how to play. Doku and Gvardiol our only positive players. Semenyo and Kerkez were outstanding and fair play to Evanilson, who converted his sole chance (something we couldn't do). You can't control injuries but we will bounce back soon, we always do.
Steve: A lacklustre performance from us, proven by the fact it was the 80th minute for our first shot on goal to arrive. After four consecutive titles, I am not convinced we have the same hunger we had in previous seasons. One positive out of the game was another excellent performance by Nunes. Congrats to Bournemouth, who thoroughly deserved the win.
Roger: City have been fragile defensively all season and combined with an aging midfield and several players all striving to find their best form this defeat was long overdue. Pep will no doubt turn it round but possibly might need to use some fringe players to achieve it.
'Bournemouth are a joy on the eye'published at 10:57 4 November
10:57 4 November
Chris Wise Final Score reporter
Image source, Getty Images
I have seen Antoine Semenyo produce some very good performances for Bournemouth this year, but his display against Manchester City at the weekend was of the highest class.
His development as a player since his move to Bournemouth in January 2023 has been astonishing, and he now excels playing in one of the wide roles in the three behind the striker.
What is also hugely encouraging for Bournemouth is his blossoming relationship with left-back Milos Kerkez.
The Hungarian is another hugely progressive talent and the pair of them caused City untold problems
They are now a really exciting combination to watch, and in a team that are a joy on the eye at the moment.
'Bournemouth are one team I love watching'published at 08:12 4 November
08:12 4 November
Former Premier League midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker, speaking to the BBC's Football Daily podcast about Bournemouth's win over Manchester City on Saturday: "Bournemouth are one team I love watching. Iraola has been a fantastic manager for them.
"When he first came, there were questions about whether Bournemouth had made the right decision. But he was given time and the players have bought into him extremely well.
"They are a well-coached, well-organised team and on their day they can beat anyone."
Image source, Reuters
