Defensively disappointing but admirable in attack: Bournemouth’s up-and-down season explained.
Overview
Bournemouth’s fourth consecutive season in the Premier League ended with a 14th placed finish.
Eddie Howe’s side look to be well established in the top flight now having ended the season 11 points clear of the relegation zone.
They scored more goals than the 7 teams directly above them in the division but have a lot to work on defensively as only relegated Fulham and Huddersfield conceded more times than them last campaign.
Highs
The Cherries work incredibly hard as a team and what they lack in star names they more than make up for in teamwork and desire.
With the smallest stadium in the league (11,329) and a very limited budget in comparison with most other clubs in the league, Eddie Howe continues to do an exceptional job in keeping Bournemouth competing at the top level.
Callum Wilson, Joshua King, Ryan Fraser and David Brooks had particularly impressive seasons and all linked well with one another at the top end of the pitch.
Wilson and Fraser made Premier League history by combining for a record 12 goals last year – the highest ever in a 38-game season.
Stand out performer
Callum Wilson scored 14 Premier League goals and grabbed 9 assists in what was by far his most productive season for the south coast side.
His league form also helped him to become the first ever Bournemouth player to score for England after he netted a debut goal for his country against the USA.
Room for improvement?
Defensively Bournemouth must improve. They finished last campaign with a –14 goal difference and conceded 4 or more goals on a staggering 6 occasions.
They began the season very well but gradually their form declined. Sitting in 6th spot after the first 10 games, they slowly slid down the league and were never able to make it out of mid-table.
One to watch
David Brooks adapted seamlessly to the Premier League following his £11.5 million move from Sheffield United in the summer.
The 21-year-old Welshman notched up an eye catching 7 goals and 5 assists in his debut top flight season and looks set to play an important role next year for The Cherries.
Next season
If Bournemouth can tighten up at the back and combine that with their free-flowing attacking play they will have a much better season in 2019/20.
Eddie Howe will hope he can ward off moves for some of his most important players and continue to build on what he has created at Bournemouth.