As good an away performance as you’re ever likely to see. The balance between pressing as a cohesive unit at the right times and remaining solid and compact when we needed to be was near perfection. Each and every player seems to have a complete understanding of what is expected of them tactically, we are like a perfectly oiled machine at the moment. All credit has to go to Iraola, he’s looking like a bit of a tactical genius at this moment in time. It is no mean feat to set a side up to play so expressively in the attacking third, while simultaneously looking rock solid at the back. Not without spending a hell of a lot more money than we have anyway.
He deserves a rating of 10.5 out of 10 for today.
Neto- 8.5- this as as generous a rating as I’m willing to give a goal keeper who hasn’t really had to make a serious save, he was that well protected. You could argue that this is harsh though as he was near faultless in the way he commanded his penalty area and in his distribution. Particularly impressive was the command he had of his area today, he confidently claimed numerous crosses into the area to provide much needed relief to the back line. Very very assured.
Kerkez- 8.5- another very good showing from him, tenacious and determined while displaying an almost endless level of energy to get up and down the wing. He made one double block at the beginning of the first half that displayed Steve Cook levels of giving everything for the cause. He’d be marked even higher but I felt like it took him a half to really get to grips with Antony, who did get the better of him at times in the opening period. That really is knit picking though, he has every ingredient to be a top modern day full back.
Senesi- 10- I honestly don’t know what else I could possibly give him. He was utterly dominant and commanding in both boxes, made a number of key interceptions, read the game impeccably, distributed the ball effectively and even popped up with a goal. I’m struggling to pinpoint an aspect of his performance that wasn’t perfect today.
Zabarnyi- 9.5- near impeccable again, just not quite at the level of Senesi. But really not far off. Most of what I wrote above for Senesi you could also say about Zabarnyi’s performance, the only very minor difference is that Zab was slightly rash in some of his individual duals. That really is knit picking again though, as that is clearly the way that Iraola wants him to play and he really was immense. His pace and ability to read the game are top notch, and he is so comfortable when being dragged out into wide areas of the pitch. He has every ingredient to be the perfect modern day centre back, he could genuinely be one of the best in the world one day he’s that good.
Smith- 8.5- worked and fought tirelessly, did not let a very talented winger get the better of him. His renaissance continues. He was very good, solid defensively and unlucky not to register an assist with a perfect through ball to Solanke. Playing in a pressing side suits his tenacious nature down to the ground.
Cook- 10- again, I’m struggling to think of an aspect of his game that wasn’t perfect. He was quite literally always in the right place at the right time to snuff out their attacking threat, he read the game perfectly. Not only that but he was strong and decisive in his duals and made a number of key tackles. His distribution was also immense and he set us on the counter multiple times, he even registered an assist by combining his immense reading of the game with a perfectly executed cut back. His best performance in a Bournemouth shirt.
Christie- 9.5- again displayed an endless supply of energy and tenacity. Covered every single blade of grass and was constantly tracking midfield runners to block off passing lanes. It’s also so impressive the way he carries the ball from deep, watching him pick the ball up in our half and weave past two or three is just becoming the norm now. If he could score he would be the perfect box to box midfielder, but I’m actually glad he can’t because if he could then he’d be playing for Liverpool or Arsenal right now and not us. I can’t remember a Bournemouth midfielder ever putting in this level of performance on a weekly basis, it’s actually insane. It’s like Arter against Man United at home but it’s every. Single. Week. Stunning.
Tavernier- 9.5- what a player. Superb display of endless work rate, superb ball carrying and the end product to top it all off. Another one who, on this showing, has every ingredient to go to the very top. Would be stunned if he doesn’t play for England in the next year or so. One of the best dribblers and creators in the league. How Middlesbrough thought it best to play him in central midfield is a total mystery, honestly aren’t many wingers in the league I would take over him.
Semenyo- 8- a constant threat with his pace and physicality, they couldn’t handle him. Physically he was almost unstoppable and he is so graceful when he glides with the ball at pace. Could have had an assist or two on another day, he works so hard defensively too. He’s like Adama Traore but with an end product and a footballing brain.
Solanke- 9.5- virtually the complete strikers performance, superb movement and anticipation, a constant threat running the channels and in behind their back line, impeccable hold up play, brought others into play with intelligent use of the ball and the finish for his goal was world class. Aside from Haaland and maybe Watkins I’m not sure there is a better striker in the league right now, genuinely. I hope that when the heavy weights come calling, which they will, that we quote them £100+ because in the modern market he is honestly worth that.
What. A. Team.
