Peter Neil Bell's Blog: Cherry Chimes, page 40

Is it a free hit against Liverpool for the Cherries?

With games fast running out, Bournemouth can't view the Liverpool match as a free hit. Yes, other teams at the bottom have similar games to come against big sides, but every point is massive now . We have seen that Liverpool are not invincible and there are three points to play for. Why can't Bournemouth try and see if they can add to Liverpool's sudden concerns and condemn them to yet another defeat?
There's no free hit when points are eagerly sought.Liverpool will not want to drop any more points. They are looking to be in the fast lane to getting their hands on the title, but they could start to get anxious if they were to lose against Bournemouth. Let's look at the facts, Bournemouth have never won in the Premier League at Liverpool. Bournemouth haven't even gained a point away from home this calendar year yet. It is going to take a huge effort for Bournemouth to get anywhere near Liverpool at Anfield, but football is a strange game.
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If Bournemouth were to consider the game as a free hit, would that change the attitude of the players? Its an interesting thought. If it meant Bournemouth playing with no fear, it could be a great help. But the players know their league position and what is riding on every game now - their survival. That can make the players be more cautious in trying not to make mistakes, but that's not always going to work. Bournemouth are at their best when they forget about everything apart from attacking the opposition. They are a completely different team when they go forward looking to take game to the opposition. This is what Eddie Howe needs to bottle - what we saw in those opening minutes of the second half against Chelsea.
AdvertisementIf Bournemouth's players go out without an open mind and expecting defeat, that's probably what they'll get. They need to take the good moments of exhilaration they felt against Chelsea and take that onto the pitch. Liverpool are an amazing team and there needs to be respect for what they have already achieved this season. Eddie Howe will show that in his line up. But what Bournemouth must not do is wave the white flag before they have even kicked a ball. If they can stay in the game in the first half you never know what could happen.
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A surprise win against Liverpool would shake up the bottom of the table and that's the thought the Bournemouth players need to picture before this game.

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Previous post on Cherry Chimes: Rival Lines: "We've waited 30 years for teh Premier League title,"says This is Anfield.

Rival Lines: "We've waited 30 years for the Premier League Title," says This is Anfield

Rival Lines
Match Preview
Liverpool v AFCB 
Blogger Interview - This is Anfield
Twitter @thisisanfield


CC: I talked to Henry at This is Anfield just before their latest FA Cup defeat against Chelsea. Although their has been a bit of a slump in Liverpool's results, I don't see a big concern about their performance as they have so many great players, it only takes two or three to have an exceptional game to sweep a side any team in the Premier League. Once they pick up a win I expect they will just put their blip behind them. What I am worried about is that Bournemouth provide them with the perfect game to get back to winning ways.

CC: You are nearing Liverpool's first Premier League title. Can you imagine what the celebrations will be like in the city when you do get over the line?

TIA: I honestly can’t, unless the coronavirus has struck! It will be an incredible party in the city, making last season’s Champions League celebrations pale into insignificance. We’ve waited 30 years for this, so it will be something special to witness. These players will be heroes forever, assuming Liverpool get over the finish line.


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CC: Liverpool's recruitment has been amazing over the last two seasons, but is there a position that you'd like to see strengthened in the summer?

TIA: In terms of the best possible XI, no. This is an incredible team and there are six or seven players who are among the best in the world in their position. A new creative midfielder is the one player that could potentially improve the team further - Kai Havertz has been linked and is a special talent - but it’s more about signing backup players, such as at left-back. Timo Werner would be a great signing in attack, adding even more competition for places. I think that will happen.

CC: What do you think has been Jurgen Klopp's best statement of the season - it could have been something amusing he said, something showing his frustration or his humility?

TIA: Good question! I actually loved what he said the other day about the coronavirus, both in terms of playing down it ruining Liverpool’s season, but also stressing the importance of listening to experts rather than him. He is so modest, which is part of his charm, and realises that he is just a great football manager, nothing more.


Advertisement Eddie Had a Dream is on sale now!CC: Was the unbeaten run becoming a bit of a burden for the club and more of a big deal for pundits rather than Liverpool's fans?

TIA: I wouldn’t say it was a burden, to be honest, but I think it would’ve been if we’d won the title and still been unbeaten. In a weird way, I am slightly relieved it’s over now, and that it didn’t happen against a rival. Man City ending it, or Arsenal or Chelsea doing us right at the end of the season, would’ve been grim. It was certainly a bigger deal for those looking on from the outside, rather than for Klopp and his players.

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CC: Do the two defeats to Atletico Madrid and Watford as well as the difficult win over West Ham indicate that Liverpool's players could be feeling drained with such a long season?

TIA: I don’t think there’s tiredness necessarily setting in, I just think the winter break has completely killed the rhythm of this side. They were flying, then they stopped, went away and haven’t been able to find their previous level. Since returning, the players simply haven’t look as sharp, and Klopp’s system demands perfection. Watford was particularly terrible. I do think the rhythm will come back, but I must admit I’m very worried about the Atletico Madrid game now.

CC: Are Liverpool coping without Jordan Henderson or is he a bigger miss than you might have expected?

TIA: After a slow start to begin with, this has been Henderson’s best season in a Liverpool shirt. He has been outstanding, especially since November. He finally looks like he belongs as Liverpool captain, but he has not only led superbly, his quality has been great through. He remains one of the most underrated players of his generation, in terms of rival supporters still blaming he is ‘average’. Henderson has been a massive loss since getting injured, with his drive and passion make an enormous difference. We need him back ASAP.

Advertisement Eddie Had a Dream eBook version -available now!CC: What have you made of Adam Lallana's time at Liverpool?

TIA: Disappointing. When he arrived in 2014 I had high hopes for him, but he has flattered to deceive too often. Injuries have certainly played a part, but when he is fit, he looks like he is making things happen but actually isn’t. The constant Cruyff turns are painful, and one goal and assist apiece since May 2017 sums it up. He is a strong leader off the pitch, in fairness, and he has had some good moments this season, but he has definitely underperformed at Liverpool.

CC: Do you expect Harry Wilson to play for Liverpool next season or could he be loaned out again or even sold?

TIA: I don’t think he will be at Liverpool next season. He is a good young player, without question, but he is no longer at the Reds’ level, considering they are arguably the best club side in the world. Liverpool are now in a position where they need really top class backup players and I don’t believe Wilson will ever be that good. I see his future lying at someone like Bournemouth - he would be a really good permanent signing for you, in my opinion.

CC: Which game was the most satisfying of the season so far?

TIA: Leicester away on Boxing Day was the most complete team performance - Liverpool were unbelievable that night, at a time when the Foxes were flying. It was 4-0 and could possibly have been more. The Reds were also great at home to Manchester City, winning 3-1 and comprehensively outplaying the champions at a time when the title race was far closer.

CC: Which three teams do you think will be relegated from the Premier League?

TIA: If I had to put money on it, I would go for Norwich, Aston Villa and West Ham. I like Bournemouth as a club, so I hope you stay up. It will be very tight, though, and I’m afraid you will be in for some nervous afternoons between now and May. I wouldn’t bank on the Cherries staying up, I’m afraid.

CC: What have you made of AFC Bournemouth's season and seeing them struggle even with Harry Wilson and occasionally Dominic Solanke in the side?

TIA: Watching Liverpool achieve such incredible things has dominated things this season, and for the first time ever, I feel like I have switched off a little in terms of knowing exactly how everyone else is doing. From what I’ve seen, though, Bournemouth have just seemed too nice a team at times to play against, rarely being able to win ugly or make life tough for opponents. When I see Bournemouth away in the fixture list, it’s a game that always looks appealing on paper, because Eddie Howe tries to play football and that makes it easier to pick you off. It’s admirable in many ways, but also a bit naive. It just feels like your natural cycle in the top flight is slowly edging towards its conclusion. Sorry. Wilson appears to have faded, when fit, while Solanke looks to have been a bit of a disaster, showing why Klopp was right to sell him.

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CC: How do you think Liverpool will line up against Bournemouth considering you have the second leg against Atletico Madrid to follow our game?

TIA: I would go for this: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, OxladeChamberlain, Wijnaldum, Salah, Mane, Firmino.

Klopp may have an eye on the Atletico Madrid game, though, so I may be wrong with a couple of selections.

CC: What is your score prediction for Liverpool v AFC Bournemouth?

TIA: I will go for Liverpool 3-1 Bournemouth. A return to winning ways, but not always massively convincing.

CC: Some great answers from Henry. I don't think This is Anfield are that worried about losing a couple of games. If they were to slip up against Bournemouth though then we could see some slightly worried faces in the Kop. Jurgen Klopp has a way with dealing with set-back's he just rubs it off his shoulder. But Bournemouth know they'll be up against it at Anfield and that the mighty Liverpool won't be sure about how they will play considering recent results. It could be an interesting first 30 minutes, Bournemouth's task is to spread the contest over 90 minutes.

Look out for my return question and answers on This is Anfield

Previous post on Cherry Chimes - An Audience with Harry Redknapp

An audience with Harry Redknapp

Some of you might have seen me tweet last night a question to Harry Redknapp.  Sadly, the question didn't get answered and in fact none of the questions that appeared on #HeyHarry got replies, as Harry was talking a bit too long to need any questions from this audience. But it was still a great evening. Harry has so many great stories.
Harry on tour in 2020.I had been treated to an Audience with Harry Redknapp at the Hawth Theatre in Crawley. Harry was on stage for a couple of hours giving his stories about football at Bournemouth, West Ham and Tottenham and even his international management days in Jordan, I'm a celebrity get me out of here, Sandbanks and Harry's Heroes.
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Harry was on top form and told a story about George Best that I hadn't heard before. George was interested in going to horse racing after training at AFC Bournemouth and wondered if Harry new where Salisbury was. Harry said,"Yes, it's about 40 minutes away." The two of them decided they could make the trip if Harry drove as George was banned again from driving, but George asked Harry a favour. He needed Harry to pick his girlfriend up on the way, Mary Stavin, who was of course a former Miss World, and drop her off at Bournemouth station, so she could go back up to London. Harry agreed and when Mary left the car, George turned round to Harry and said, "thank God she's gone."

Advertisement Eddie Had a Dream is on sale now!Harry was perplexed and asked what the problem was. George said, "They had gone to the cinema last night and she had been touching his leg and nibbling at his ear."  Harry was like, "Yes, what's the problem, she's beautiful.?"

"Well, I wanted to watch the film," said George. That made Harry laugh as he though several million men would have loved to have been in George's seat last night.

When they had their day at the races and were just leaving Salisbury, George saw two men who had clearly lost their money and were looking for a lift back to Fordingbridge and Bournemouth. George asked Harry to pick them up and give them a lift. George was overly kind to the two men and talked to them and answered whatever questions they put to him on the journey home. "That was the kind of person George was like," said Harry.

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Harry was full of such stories and also talked about his next TV series of Harry's Heroes on ITV, which has the old England team back together again with Razor Ruddock, John Barnes and David Seaman. The team go to Spain and play San Marino gain to try and get revenge for that early first minute goal that they let in on 17 November 1993 in their 1-7 win over the San Marino team that played that day, including the San Marino goal scorer - Davide Gualtieri. So look out for that when it comes out on TV later this year!

Previous post on Cherry Chimes - Howe has to tell his players that Liverpool are beatable

Howe has to tell his players that Liverpool are beatable

Plying Liverpool after their first league defeat is probably not what Eddie Howe would have wanted. We could see an enraged Liverpool go about their task to demolish their next opponents. But the fact that Liverpool know they got it wrong against Watford and could do so again, against another bottom half team gives Bournemouth players more than a glimmer of hope that they can be the second team in a league match to inflict an unexpected win against the Champions in making.
Eddie will have watched Liverpool's defeats closely to look for common weaknesses.Doing it against Liverpool at Anfield would be just about the biggest win of Eddie Howe's career if it were to happen. Jurgen Klopp is pretty much unbeatable at home and just staying in the game has to be Howe's first motivation for his players. Watford beat Liverpool with their wingers causing trouble on both sides, and I get the impression that Howe will try and do something similar. We have seen how effective Jack Stacey was against Chelsea and Howe just needs something similar on the left side. Liverpool are not a side that you can just attack one side, it has to be an attempt to keep them guessing at to which side of the pitch the attacks are coming down.

Advertisement Eddie Had a Dream eBook version -available now!We have seen that it is possible to take the game to Liverpool. They can be made to defend. It is a shame it is not an evening game, as I think a night when it is a special atmosphere brings the best out in Bournemouth. The knowledge that every point earned could save them from relegation though should make the match as exciting as it needs to be for our players, and even though they can't now be the first to beat Liverpool they can be the first to do it at Anfield this season.
AdvertisementBeating Liverpool will need a special performance. But the proof that it can be done has been given now and Bournemouth's players know that they are up against 11 other players and not some super human's who don't make mistakes. Liverpool's fans will be wanting and demanding a return to winning ways, but that could just make Liverpool slightly gung-ho at home which could also play into Bournemouth's hands.

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Previous post on Cherry Chimes - What's going on in the last 10 minutes of games for Bournemouth?

What is going on in the last 10 minutes of games for Bournemouth?

It can't be stressed enough that the Cherries are finding it difficult to defend their goal in the last 10 minutes of games. We have seen last minute goals go in against Bournemouth in the matches against Watford, Brighton, Sheffield United, Burnley and Chelsea. The last 10 minutes are clearly not being kind to Bournemouth, but are there reasons for this?
Shipping goals in the last 10 minutes.I have to wonder if the players are running out of energy after 80 minutes. As Bournemouth's possession stats are not high it is likely that this could have something to do with their inability to defend as well in the last few minutes of games. You also have to wonder how much of a mental thing it is if it keeps happening and the players almost expect it to happen again.

AdvertisementLate subs could also be a factor. We saw it with Gosling coming on at the end of the game against Chelsea for Lewis Cook, and when Stanislas came on for Fraser against Sheffield United. So when Eddie makes a late sub, beware!

Advertisement Eddie Had a Dream is on sale now!Clearly Bournemouth are not scoring many goals either in the last 10 minutes of games. If we rule out the FA Cup, you have to go back to the match against Tottenham in November to find Bournemouth scoring in the last 10 minutes of a game, and that was in the 90+6 minute so the team almost ran out of time to do it in that game! We might think that once 60 minutes comes up, Bournemouth's game is over as far as an offensive proposition goes. That's really not good.
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So, if Howe wants to look for something to improve this week, I would stress that the last quarter of games is something that he could really do with improving for AFCB.

Previous post on Cherry Chimes - It's not about the Table in March, it's May that counts

It's not about the Table in March, it's May that counts

It's a good job that the table in March is not where things end. Bournemouth are of course in the bottom three, and currently they are one of the favourites for the drop, which is hard to argue against, especially with Aston Villa having a game in hand at the moment. While we might not hold on to the thread of hope that the Coronavirus will cause a premature end of the season, and a reset button on all the results - an as you were in August 2019 saving - but there are 10 games to turn things around.
AFCB need to keep thinking positively and believe they can get the results they want.There's a lot of football still to play and a clear picture of who is likely to face the drop might not even happen by the end of March. I don't see many of the struggling teams picking up much more than four or six points in March, but if any of them can improve on that they could well be heading towards safety.


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Bucking the odds is going to be what it is about now. If Watford can go and beat Liverpool then Bournemouth need to see what they can do against the future Champions, but they'll also have to try and overturn at least one other top club in March to get themselves in a better position, unless the other teams fail to pick up any more points in March.

Advertisement Eddie Had a Dream eBook version -available now!I am sure our fans will never give up hope, but the home games are absolutely crucial now. The team has responded at home when the crowd comes alive. But Eddie Howe needs to find a spark away from home and just getting a point on the board in an away game could be massive in March. All Bournemouth can do is look at their own matches. They can't rely on other teams slipping up, but f they win half of their remaining games it will take something special to put them down.

Previous post on Cherry Chimes - Stacey impact is well-times

In other news, Jordan Ibe is fined £7500 and banned from driving for 16 months, reports the BBC

Stacey impact is well-timed

Quite a few fans were unsure as to who most deserved the man of the match against Chelsea. I have no problems with those who felt Jack Stacey's contribution was the most significant, even if I gave the man of the match to Jefferson Lerma for getting the ball rolling in Bournemouth's favour.
Jack Stacey has suddenly stepped up to the grade AFCB need.Jack Stacey has made the right back position his. To move Adam Smith from there shows that he has been doing something special in training and on Saturday we saw it with our eyes as he belted down the right wing to provide overlap after overlap. His crossing was spot on for Philip Billing in the opening minutes of the match, and for the second goal he made a cross that was precision perfect for Josh King to just run into the net, knowing that he had timed his run to stay onside.


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If Jack can keep providing that kind of service, then Bournemouth will start scoring more than a goal a game, which is what they really need now. Stacey might not have been seen as a main weapon, but perhaps he has been watching what Trent Alexander-Arnold has been doing at Liverpool and has picked up a few tips. The game on Saturday will be harder for hime to make such an impact, but if he can force Andrew Robinson to defend a little more often than he'd like then Bournemouth will be in the game. Jermaine Jenas pointed out how well Jack had played on Match of the Day, and considering that Jack hasn't played much this season it was certainly his best game in a Bournemouth shirt against Chelsea.
Advertisement Eddie Had a Dream is on sale now!Jack now has to be consistent and that s not easy against a team like Liverpool. He can take great confidence though from his game against Chelsea. He should have had a couple of assists, but for Billing's poor shooting and we know that Jack has a shot on him himself, which we might start to see now that he knows he is playing well.

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Previous post on Cherry Chimes - Billing has to do better in front of goal

Billing has to be better in front of goal

Philip Billing has been a player that I think has been up and down as much in his ratings as he has been in getting between boxes in games. He has a lot of energy, it is just getting him to direct it better and trying to concentrate when he gets in goal scoring positions.
Billing has to make more of his chances if he is going to get forward.The start of games can be difficult to take your chances and had Billing got his chances later in the game against Chelsea, he might have stuck one of them away. You don't get to always put right your misses though, and Billing had to live with his missed opportunities all game. To be fair to him he probably would have preferred the chances to fall to Callum Wilson or Josh King, but when he puts himself in with a chance of scoring he has to back himself to do the business.
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I like the ambition of Billing to get himself so involved in the game, but he still has a way to go on being accurate with his passing and shooting. Should we criticise him for his failure to get things right at this stage? Well, I think he has the ability to do better and Bournemouth really need him to improve if they are going to keep playing him and get results against the top sides.
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I think Eddie Howe will just be pleased that Billing is getting into goal scoring positions. Next time, Billing might do better and get Bournemouth the lead. Only by playing do you improve and as Billing is finding himself forward so easily at the moment, I hope he gets another chance or two against Liverpool.
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While Philip Billing has been a bit hit and miss, he could yet be the player that comes good in these last few games to keep the Cherries up.

Previous post on Cherry Chimes - The Cherries are still bang in trouble

Later this week Cherry Chimes will have a blogger interview with This is Anfield ahead of Liverpool v AFCB

The Cherries are still bang in trouble

Eddie Howe won't get carried away with the point against Chelsea. The point is a welcome one, but it wasn't enough to keep the Cherries form falling back into the bottom three with the results that Watford and West Ham Utd got.
The Cherries are still short on points.The table was going to change and is likely to keep changing in the final 10 games. The run-in is upon us and it's as much about not losing nerve now as anything else. If the team is winning games it will get to safety, but there is an uneasy feeling that so many of the teams around Bournemouth have also stepped up their game and have started to pick up points.
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It is pretty much anyone's guess as to who is going to stumble, but I think you have to look at who is scoring goals. Bournemouth have their swagger back and are on the rise along with Watford and West Ham. That could make it difficult for teams such as Norwich City, Aston Villa, Brighton and even Newcastle who are not finding goals as all easy to come by.

Advertisement Eddie Had a Dream is on sale now!Where Bournemouth are still having problems is on defence. The second half against Chelsea was anxious because the players defended deeper and deeper and it gave Chelsea impetus to get back int o the game. Bournemouth were at their best when they were pressing for a their goal, but we just didn't see enough of it once the team had got ahead. It is a fine balance and while risking it by pushing players forward, it's easy to get caught on the break.
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The table doesn't lie, Bournemouth have not been good enough this season so far but they are on terms with several other teams and can pip them, if they have a better run-in than three of the other struggling teams.

Lerma raised spirits with his goal

I don't think Bournemouth were going anywhere against Chelsea as the first half ended. The heads were a little down and the half-time came at a very good point for the players to regain what they needed to feel in the hearts to go and turn the game around.
Jefferson Lerma scored his first goal  in a home match at Dean Court for the Cherries.There must have been some strong words said at half time. It wasn't that Bournemouth were playing badly but they had squandered chances, and had been caught by a Chelsea that had come back into the game, after they had been pressed back for the first 20 minutes. Listening to fans at half-time most of them were saying that the team started well, but that was it, and many were resigned to seeing Bournemouth record another defeat
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Advertisement Eddie Had a Dream is on sale now!But the impact that Jefferson Lerma's goal made was like someone lighting the blue touch paper. The header was like a rocket that burst the net and the fans were only to ready to start jumping about madly as they reacted to the goal. Lerma doesn't score many, but if he can score important goals like this when the pressure is on, then he'll become even more special in the fans' minds. As it was we had a great rousing chorus of 'Oh Jefferson Lerma!' for the next five minutes.
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It was Jefferson's goal that gave the team belief and it was no coincidence that their best play came just second after that with the second Bournemouth goal, as the players got caught up with the frenzied atmosphere of the crowd. Bournemouth needed to get that connection back with the players and the crowd feeding off each other, and even though the team find themselves in the bottom three again, I have more confidence now that the team is performing well and has the ability to play its way out to safety, which is not something I could see them easily doing before the draw with Chelsea.
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Previous post on Cherry Chimes - A marvelous second-half start by Bournemouth