A really disappointing display from the lads, but in their defence we looked absolutely knackered, with injuries, suspensions and the busy schedule catching up with us now. Here come the ratings from our 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth:
Nick Pope – 8 – Made eight saves on the night, keeping us level in the first half and producing a contender for save of the month to stop the score from getting ugly in the second half. Will be slightly frustrated to be beaten at his near post for their opener and was a little tentative off his line for Solanke’s second. Still, he was our standout performer.
Kieran Trippier – 3 – Looked way off it. So many misplaced passes from right back and just looked really devoid of any energy in the match. Hospital pass to Pope that was nearly punished by Solanke and offered so little going forward. It’s a shame he’s going away with England as he’s in dire need of a break.
Jamaal Lascelles – 6 – Made some brilliant tackles and blocks throughout the game, saving a goal with a superb last-ditch block on Solanke early on. Was one of few outfield players who battled on from start to finish. Could’ve been a lot worse if he had not been on the pitch. A few sloppy moments in possessiom but strong in the air. Booked late on for mistiming a sliding tackle.
Fabian Schar – 4 – Looked subdued, never got close enough to Solanke and went down with an apparent injury in the first half. Cut a frustrated figure, struggled to play out from the back as he normally does. After his hamstring scare in the first half, it’s a worry that he will be going away with Switzerland now…
Lewis Hall – 4 – Struggled to deal with Bournemouth’s attacks down their right, with Semenyo’s pace, power and direct running causing issues Had one decent burst forward before he was hooked at half time.
Lewis Miley – 7 – Brilliant to see him get his first Premier League start. Looked really composed and kept it tidy in midfield. Made a few fantastic tackles and interceptions also in the middle of the park. Looked comfortable at this level and will grow from the experience. Faded as the game went on, but he was one of few positives on the night.
Sean Longstaff – 4 – Looked VERY leggy. Felt sorry for him at times, as he looked like he was carrying granite on his boots. Struggled to link any play together and went down with a nasty looking injury in the second half but luckily was okay. He’s barely missed a minute in recent weeks, so the break comes at a good time for him.
Joelinton – 3 – Played up front for large parts of the first half and was nothing like the Joelinton we know and love, looking lethargic, slow and sluggish in and out of possession. Miles off it in the first half and didn’t get much better in the second, where he dropped deeper but barely laid a glove on the Bournemouth midfield.
Joe Willock – 5 – Not ready for three games in a week so soon after injury. Gave it his best and tried to make things happen, but looked leggy and unable to go on those explosive runs we normally see from him.
Anthony Gordon – 4 – Couldn’t really get into the game and looked like he may have a slight knock. We didn’t see any of his usual pace, relentless pressing or movement, with his only moment of quality a quick nutmeg and shot that was fired too close to Neto.
Miguel Almiron – 4 – Went off with a suspected hamstring injury after half an hour or so, but didn’t look himself at all. Struggled to cause Kelly any problems, aside from one moment where he looked to be having his shirt tugged.
Substitutes:
Matt Ritchie – 4 – Played an hour after replacing Miggy. Offered very little and seemed too slow and predictable.
Tino Livramento – 6 – Played at left-back and right-back after replacing Hall at half time. Looks more comfortable going forward down the right but showed his versatility once again and performed better than most in that dismal second 45.
Ben Parkinson – 5 – Great to see a Geordie come on for his Premier League debut. Put himself about but didn’t offer anything in the attacking department.
Emil Krafth – N/A – Played two minutes.
Trippier and Joelinton have been poor for weeks now and Livramento should be first choice right back, it is so disappointing that Joelinton with his size and power can not do a job up front if only on a temporary basis.
Schar has been fantastic and is playing on his wrong side so have to give him some leeway.
A lot of our problems yesterday stemmed from Bruno being suspended, the whole midfield don’t look the same going forward, we urgently need Kalvin Philips or someone similar, because the squad is down to yen bones some players are an automatic choice which is a bad thing.
Joseph(Quote)