Bournemouth 2 – 0 Southampton

Review by Phil Sawyer@ sawyer_phil

AFC Bournemouth sank their South Coast rivals with an accomplished performance, earning a vital 3 points and taking a significant step towards Premier League survival.

With crucial games against Newcastle and Swansea on the horizon, Eddie Howe’s team will have been all too aware of the importance of getting something against Southampton, despite having not beaten the Saints since 1958 and succumbing to a 2-0 defeat in the reverse fixture in November.

History didn’t faze the Cherries however, and they set about the visitors with intent from the kick off. Harry Arter was at his snarling, snapping best in the centre of midfield, and in Howe’s reworked formation the combative number 8 found himself complimented perfectly by the assured, collected presence of Andrew Surman. The pair dominated the middle of the pitch, allowing tricky winger Max Gradel to work his magic down the left, and the cultured Matt Ritchie was also finding plenty of space, becoming increasingly influential on the right flank.

Such was the Cherries’ dominance that they forced the away side into an early tactical switch, abandoning their 3-5-2 formation. Manager Ronald Koeman was exasperated as he failed to cut off the AFCB supply lines and as the Cherries continued to probe, the Saints’ defence was creaking.

The inevitable first goal arrived on the half hour mark. King was hauled back on a typically explosive burst into the box, and when goalkeeper Forster could only palm away the resulting free kick, Steve Cook launched an acrobatic effort. The ball flew into the top corner and AFCB were in front!

The home side were looking good for their lead and headed into half time well on top – a theme that continued into the second half.

Koeman will have been disappointed with the way his team approached the game, but credit should still be given to a Bournemouth side who were disciplined, prepared to battle in midfield and were well organised at the back. AFCB registered a second consecutive clean sheet, building on a solid performance at Watford by adding a more dynamic approach – releasing King, Ritchie and Gradel at every opportunity.

Ritchie in particular had an excellent game, and was the architect of another memorable moment at Dean Court when his beautifully shaped cross supplied Afobe – rising at the near post – with a great chance that he confidently nodded in.

The Southampton fans were sent back across the New Forest disappointed after their big night out at Dean Court, having seen their team outclassed from start to finish. Eddie Howe, in contrast, knows his team can now approach their upcoming fixtures with the pressure somewhat relieved. Their survival mission is far from over, but there was a feeling around the ground at the final whistle that this was a huge step in the right direction.