A resilient display and a host of missed chances by AFC Bournemouth helped Sunderland get their first win of the Premier League season.
Bournemouth Player Ratings:
Boruc (8/ 10) – Could not do much really. Sunderland hardly attacked except for the opening few minutes of both the half. That too, the attacks mostly broke down before becoming a threat. It was Bournemouth’s defensive display which was out of focus and let Sunderland to take the chance.
Smith (7.5/ 10) – Gave away the penalty, which turned out to be the winner. He was no weak to take on Anchiebe and had to do the tackle, which was otherwise a sure goal anyway. Was careless to leave too much space at the back for Anchiebe to dodge past him. Had an assist for the Bournemouth’s goal.
Francis (7.5/ 10)– Maintained a disciplined backline throughout the game as Bournemouth have been repeatedly doing this season, but could not do much about the missed chances up front. Gave 19 successful passes in the attacking third, although nothing found the back of the net to save a point.
Cook (7.5/ 10) – Was largely unnoticed throughout the game. Defended in numbers and made 6 clearances from the back. Was largely of a disciplined display.
Daniels (8/ 10) – Was one of a more crucial player of the back four. Made 3 important tackles, which would have otherwise put his team in more pressure.
Gosling (8.5/ 10) – It was only fitting that Dan Gosling got the goal. He was everywhere. He defended, linked up, took shots from long range, scored the first and kept the opponents on their toes. Gosling was the most composed player on the ball for the Cherries.
Arter (8.5/ 10) – The duo of Arter and Gosling has been instrumental in the Bournemouth pivot. Yet another brilliant display by Arter. Did his part quite well throughout the match.
Stanislas (8/ 10) – A real threat on the ball, Howe should consider playing Stanislas as the main striker. Took 4 shots with 2 on target. Unlucky not to get a goal.
Wilshere (7.5/ 10) – Has not improved any more than he was at Arsenal by his standards. A couple of brilliant touches and turns in the midfield to make space but it is a common thing with Wilshire. Missed a sitter which could have given Bournemouth the lead. Lost the ball quite frequently in the final stages of the game when the team needed more possession.
Ibe (6.5/ 10) – Was substituted even before the second half started by Afobe. Was largely unimpressive in the first half.
Kings (7.5/ 10) – Linked up really well with Wilshere and Gosling in the first half and Bournemouth was a far better team. Took 4 shots but could make nothing out of them.
Afobe (8/ 10) – Came on in place of Ibe to bring in more physicality in the game. Did his job to some extent and produced some really good passes in the attacking third but ended up goalless. Took a shot from just out of the box that could have made a difference but it was well wide.
Mousset (7.5/10) – Was handed his debut in a difficult situation. Showed agility in opponent’s box and showed signs of things to come.
Fraser (7.5/ 10) – Howe should consider starting him. Came on in the final quarter of the game and gave some mouthwatering set pieces. Unlucky not to meet the right player.
