Back from the game; League Ground ninety-one but a fruitless visit to the Cherries

So, let's start with the obvious... The Cherries were ripe for picking but City ultimately had themselves to blame for another 4th round exit in the League Cup.

In a game which Norwich dominated all over the pitch, it was Bournemouth's ability to convert two of their fairly well rationed chances versus City's single strike from the 19 attempts on goal, the most anyone has created against Eddie Howe's well-drilled team all season, which saw them over the line.

Against a not overly weakened Bournemouth, City looked strong, confident and impressive in most departments. The second-string prayers appeared just as capabale of playing quick, crisp and accurate Farke-ball as the regulars. Pinto, who was caught upfield for their opener, and McGovern's weakness with the ball at his feet were maybe the only exceptions. Harsh? Maybe, but it made you appreciate even more the performances of Aarons and Krul so far this year.

Trybull, Tettey and Vrancic owned the midfield and Vrancic is pushing hard in Leitner's heels for the role of midfield conductor. Passlack put in a shift and showed some good touches and Srbeny worked hard as a lone frontman and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet. His pace is lacking but I thought his hold up and link play was fairly solid.

Hernandez was unplayable at times and he took his goal delightfully after a lovely scooped ball through from a Trybull. Poor luck or poor finishing, take your pick, meant that we couldn't convert any more of the many good chances created. Ultimately it's goals that win games but there were so many positives to take from this and on this showing, no one in the Championship should be feared.

For me the subs were a little late, but we were really on top and pressing well. Pukki and Bundua did add a different dimension and a Rhodes looked on it when he came in late. Quite how he missed the last minute header from six yards out is still beyond me! It looked all set up for 2-2 and penalties... but it wasn't to be.

Gutted really, as we could so easily have progressed and the excitement of a cup run just adds confidence to the league campaign... I don't hold with all this "concentrate on the league" nonsense, just win every game!

That said, I won't 'hedge' my bets (nice callback from yesterday's board 😯) and state that we'll finish top six this season! Cue immediate jinxing 🤭 but seriously, this is looking good and, whisper it, if we did go up, I think our style and ability would suit the Premier more than the blood and guts tussle of the Championship.

Onward and upwards fellow Wrathers, we outplayed a solid Premier side and can take much more from this than the defeat at Arsenal last year. Yes it's the same result, but this year we were the better team and should have won. Last year we were riding our luck and were hoping to scrape through.

Roll on Saturday, Let's keep up the good work. On The Ball City 💛💚

Posted By: Worthing Yellow, Oct 31, 00:37:56