Man of the Match against Sparta?

Diakite

Adams

Christie

Gannon-Doak

Brooks

Evanilson

AFC Bournemouth made the trip to Sparta Prague on Thursday night for their fourth game in this season’s already memorable UEFA Europa League campaign.

With three wins from three games, including a 3-0 victory over AC Milan at Dean Court last time out, the Cherries were hoping to extend that run as they push for a top eight finish in this league phase.

A victory would make it seven wins in a row in all competitions, an incredible run as AFC Bournemouth head coach Marco Rose gets his feet under the desk in his new job.

Eight changes were made for the starting line-up following the victory over Leeds United, with Rose reverting to a more familiar side to the one that had run rampant over Aston Villa in the Football League Cup.

An early penalty gave the Cherries a chance to take the lead, but Lewis Cook hit the inside of the post and could only agonisingly watch on as the ball trundled along the line, behind the ‘keeper and narrowly missing the other post.

Sparta Prague ended the Cherries’ six-game run without conceding with a fabulous counter-attacking goal at pace from Ebrima Singhateh, as Sparta broke clear after a Cherries corner. But the home side then suffered a head-loss moment as, already on a yellow card, Tobias Guddal opted to rugby-tackle Alvaro and was subsequently sent off.

After the break, AFC Bournemouth patiently plugged away at the home side and found three second-half goals through Tyler Adams, Evanilson and Rayan.

The result briefly left the Cherries top of the UEFA Europa League before the later evening fixtures.

After the match, AFC Bournemouth head coach Marco Rose said (as quoted by Sky Sports)…

“It was a good team performance. We changed eight players, we needed to be ready for this game because they are good opposition.

“We missed a penalty, struggled in some moments, they scored a nice goal but then to come back away here is a good sign to everyone in the team.”

He added…

“It’s a big achievement (seven wins in a row) and we have to continue, we need to stay alert, sharp. It’s up to us to use this momentum. Everyone tries to beat us, if we get in a comfort zone just a little bit we get in trouble.”

NWCherries98

Weren’t at our best but did well to plug away at a dogged defensive performance and our quality shone through eventually.

First half performance was flat, probably a few too many changes that didn’t pan out. Not a surprise that the goalscorers were all substitutes. Was a bit disappointed by how disjointed we looked, considering that with the same approach vs Villa we looked very good still. Oh well.

Shout-out to Prague, I thought they were excellent, to be fair. Had to work hard to get the win vs some impressive defending.

Alvaro was a real handful; nothing quite came off for him, but he was busy and involved in lots of key moments. Doak is going from strength to strength, though I wish he could iron out his end product a bit.

At the end of the day, a great night for the club and the brilliant run we’re on rolls on.

Kellyville Red

Ok so we’ve established that we’re going to have to play our first-choice eleven to win this tournament, but I’m ok with that.

Even in the second half there were moments of real sloppiness – remember the awful square ball across the box from Tyler at 2-1, and yet he was our best player – but the fact is we have more than enough quality to blow away most sides we will face.

When we win away in Europe after being behind at the break, to go top of the table, and there is still a little bit of frustration because we didn’t play anywhere near our best and, horror, conceded a goal, you know, life is pretty good right now. Especially with Kroupi and Scott to come back in.

BillyTheKid

Game of two halves.

We made hard work of the first half and seemed to lack something, then missed a penalty and conceded our first goal since Chelsea; it was a good bit of play by Singhateh walking past Smith and Cook.

The second-half substitutions made all the difference, and Adams equalised for the Cherries.

Then that man of the moment, Evanilson, with a neat bit of play and finish, put us 1-2 in front. He was also involved with an assist for the third goal.

The icing on the cake was an assist from one Brazilian to another; Rayan finished with a perfect low shot that beat their keeper.

Job done.

Watched the game with my wife in the Old George Inn in Christchurch; a number of Cherries fans were there as well.

Dragonm8

Was an intelligent win and was never really in doubt, with the strength we had from the bench.

A couple of sub-par performances from the starting 11, but it was well managed by Rose.

table

Well done lads, well done Marco, well done the Cherries in Prague. Great decision from Marco, bring the “stars” on for 30 mins against a team that would be tiring even without the sending-off. Rather than make them play for an hour, tire Prague out, then bring squad players on. It’s going to be a long, old season, about a season and a half compared to clubs not in Europe and out of cups early on. We need our best players fit for the cup finals, not totally spent, like spawning salmon when they get there : )

The TV coverage was good tonight but, personally, it doesn’t come close, for me, to being there. Jealous or envious are not the right words for how I feel about all the Cherries out in Prague.
I would just love to be out there with them, experiencing it all; I’m so pleased for all that made the trip. Especially knowing so many of them have watched the Cherries through thick, thin, opaque and absolutely transparent times. I really hope those “club stalwarts” are having the footballing times of their lives : )

These are incredible times to be a Cherry; long may it continue and let’s let ourselves enjoy what our beloved tinpot club is doing, so close to the top of the Europe/World footballing pyramid : )

Ps I don’t care how long it lasts anymore; it’s happening, and I’m here to see it. I count myself extremely lucky to be a witness to it : ) – To join the conversation, please click here.