The dream of qualifying for European football following promotion from the championship last season continued for Sheffield United on the weekend. The Blades came from behind to beat Bournemouth 2-1 and they remain on course to at least finish in the top six of the Premier League this season and possibly even push for a place in the Champions League.
However, while Sheffield United were left celebrating yet another Premier League victory Bournemouth were left looking towards the bottom of the table. The defeat means Bournemouth are in 16th place with 26 points to their name. That leaves them only 2 points clear of 18th place West Ham United who currently occupy the final relegation spot.
Aston Villa, who are just one place and 1 point behind Bournemouth, have a home match against Tottenham Hotspur next week as they bid to move above the Cherries.
Bournemouth fans have enjoyed one of the biggest success stories in English football as they went from nearly dropping out of the Football League to mixing it with the best in the Premier League. They still have 12 games remaining this season to turn things around but have some incredibly tough fixtures, including games against 8 of the top 9 teams in the league. In addition, Bournemouth have no games against any of the teams currently in the bottom six of the Premier League.
Some of their toughest fixtures include home games against Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City plus away trips to Liverpool, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Manchester United, Manchester City and Everton.
One of the main issues for Bournemouth's poor form this season is injuries. At some point during the campaign there have been lengthy absences due to injury for key players including Nathan Ake, Steve Cook, Chris Mepham, Simon Francis, David Brooks, Lewis Cook, Arnaut Groeneveld and Joshua King. There is nothing a manager can do about this situation but some of the signings made by manager Eddie Howe have to be questioned.
The signings of Philip Billing, Jefferson Lerma, Dominic Solanke, Jordon Ibe and Lys Mousset for a combined total of over £80 million have not improved the team. However, given everything that Howe has done for the football club they have to stick with the current manager and have faith he will keep them in the Premier League this season.
Following the same number of games in the 2016/17 season, Bournemouth had the same number of points as they do now and managed to avoid relegation. The Cherries went on a run of 5 wins, 5 draws and 2 defeats from their last 12 matches to eventually finish 9th in the Premier League.
Given their remaining fixtures this season, it appears unlikely they are going to match that record and Bournemouth may have to rely on the teams below them dropping points to avoid relegation this season.