Here is the xG from the Man U game. Rayan had an earlier header from a corner that he headed wide (rated 1 in 5), but apart from that, the first 35 mins were relatively dull. Then in the 37th minute, Kluivert floated a free kick to the back post where Rayan was unmarked, and he volleyed past Lammens (1 in 6). Mbeumo had a chance straight after (1 in 6), which Petrovic saved before a calamity at the back for Man U saw them go 2-down. Yoro slipped, and the pursuing Truffert squared the ball for Tavernier to slot home (3 in 4). At the break, the xG was Man U 0.20, AFCB 1.22.

In the first minute of the second half, Evanilson had a goal ruled out for offside, although if he’d have left it, Rayan was on. This came from the press that had caused Man U trouble all game. Rayan had a weak shot saved (1 in 6) and then in the 65th minute just shot wide (1 in 3) after a superb run. Five minutes later it was game over. Their keeper misread a pass/clearance from Cook and Evanilson nipped in, went round him and scored from a tight angle (1 in 3). That was a last attempt, although it didn’t feel like it in the ground, as we largely saw out the game comfortably, bar a header from Cunha (1 in 4) that was blocked straight after the goal and a scramble in the 84th minute when both Yoro and Santos had 1 in 7 headers blocked. The final xG was Man U 1.17, AFCB 2.15, although the difference felt much bigger live. Understat felt more representative, with Bournemouth at 2.56 and Man U at 0.84.

Man of the Match against Manchester United?

Hill

Tavernier

Rayan

Evanilson

Antonio

Petrovic

Kluivert

Truffert

Cook

There was one change from the Sunderland game, with Kluivert (19) replacing Christie as CAM. The first change (when we were 2-0 up) was Gannon-Doak (11) replacing Kluivert, with the Scotsman going wide left and Tavernier (16) moving into CAM. At 75 minutes (and being 3 up), Christie (10) replaced Cook (4) in a straight swap. In the 87th minute, there was a triple change with Kroupi (22) making a welcome return from injury and replacing Evanilson (9), and Adli (21) replacing Tavernier (16). And Diakite (18) eventually replacing Smith (15) after having to wait on the touchline for a minute. Diakite’s position showed that Man U had possession dominance, although they didn’t create any big chances.

Hill attempted most passes with 55. Rayan attempted most passes in the opposition’s half (22) and in the final third with 11. We averaged 72% pass completion. Of the starting 11, only Adams and Kluivert had over 85% success.

AFCB attempted 12 crosses, being successful 4 times (from Kluivert and Tavernier).

AFCB created 10 chances (6 big). Man U created 13 chances, 0 big. Kluivert and Tavernier created 3 chances each, and the big chances were created by Kluivert (2), Tavernier (2), Cook, and Truffert.

We had 10 attempts (6 big), noting that chances can be provided after saves, deflections or a defensive error and not created. We hit the target 4 times. Man U had 17 attempts, 0 big, and hit the target 5 times. Our big chances fell to Rayan (4), Evanilson and Tavernier.

The Opta expected goals had Rayan as most likely to score (0.91), followed by Tavernier (0.72) and Evanilson (0.52). For assists, Truffert was top (0.33), followed by Tavernier (0.21) and Kluivert (0.18)

AFCB won 16 of 26 tackles. Hill won 6 from 7

AFCB won 12 of 30 aerials duals. Silva won 3 from 4.

Hill made most defensive actions with 18. Silva and Hill made joint-most clearances (7). Hill made most blocks (4) and joint-most interceptions with Rayan (4). Adams made most recoveries (9).

The foul count was AFCB 17, Man U 13. Kluivert made 5 fouls, Rayan and Smith were fouled 5 times each.

Your say…

northstandmark…

I’m surprised xG came out with 1 in 3 for Eva’s strike, from that position on the field, even with the open goal.

Matt Stevenson replied…

It was slightly higher too (nearer 37%); I guess it is hard to judge the speed of the ball in the calculations, which would have made it harder than if it was slower, but then again he’s a pro footballer, which should bump it up. But I’m very pleased he put it in. From my angle, until the net rippled, I had no idea whether it was going wide.

Understat had it at 0.39. – To join the conversation, please click here.