Eddie Howe’s man-management skills are second to none
After a torturous couple of weeks in terms of injuries, many doubted whether Bournemouth would have the mental strength to bounce back and perform at their best.
Having seen the summer’s two biggest signings – Tyrone Mings and Max Gradel – out for an extended period, and then striker Wilson pick up the same injury, it could have been hard for the Cherries to lift themselves for this one. They responded well though, dominating the first-half and playing with some real class.
If Howe can get his side going like this for the rest of the season, then there is no reason why they cannot continue to cause problems for opponents and gloss over the injuries they have sustained. The manager continues to add to his reputation, though it is worth staying wary of the fact that this is still very much a honeymoon period for his side – the lack of depth in the squad could come back to haunt them.
Both of these sides can stay up
There are numerous reasons for both clubs to be confident that they can stay in the top division for another reason, both in their own and other’s performances.
Bournemouth play with a superb tempo, using width and pace to their advantage, and will surely catch numerous opponents cold with their fast starts to games. On the other hand, the Hornets remain difficult to beat, having conceded just one goal in four home games, and will look to use that to their advantage.
More than anything else though, the likes of Newcastle, Sunderland and West Brom are badly struggling and will give all the promoted sides hope of staying up come May.
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