'Nobody really likes coming to play us here'published at 17:45 4 January
17:45 4 January
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Bournemouth match-winner David Brooks has been speaking to Premier League Productions: "It was nice to see it fly in. Six or seven times you see them spoon over the bar.
"When you play Everton, especially over the past few years, you know it's going to be a physical and tough game. You need a bit of quality to finish it off.
"It's not a game with a lot of clear-cut chances, but we took one and got the three points.
"Nobody really likes coming to play us here and, every home game, we go into it thinking we can win. We have to just keep our feet on the ground and keep plugging away game-by-game."
Bournemouth 1-0 Everton - send us your thoughtspublished at 16:55 4 January
Sutton's predictions: Bournemouth v Evertonpublished at 11:17 4 January
11:17 4 January
Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this season, against a variety of guests.
For week 20, he takes on The Zutons frontman Dave McCabe, who supports Liverpool.
Sutton's prediction: 1-0
Everton have only managed 15 Premier League goals this season. Southampton are the only team to have scored fewer, and finding the net is clearly an issue for Sean Dyche's side.
Everton capitulated against Bournemouth at Goodison Park in August, losing 3-2 after leading 2-0 with three minutes to go, but it is hard to make a case for them this time because of their lack of firepower.
Bournemouth denied me some prediction points with their late equaliser against Fulham on Sunday and there is a reason they are in seventh place - they create a lot of chances, and I am expecting them to edge this.
Who will secure Champions League football?published at 17:53 3 January
17:53 3 January
As we enter a new calendar year and the halfway point of the season, the Opta Supercomputer has been busy making its predictions.
But who has the best chance of securing Champions League football next season?
With England given a 97.8% chance of finishing in the top two of Uefa's coefficients rankings and receiving a bonus place in next season's competition, it is highly likely to be a race to finish in the top five of the Premier League this campaign.
One team essentially guaranteed a Champions League spot season, according to the Supercomputer's simulations, is high-flying league leaders Liverpool (100%).
Following closely on their heels are Arsenal and Chelsea, who occupy second and fourthgoing into this weekend's fixtures, with a 99.8% and 91.7% chance of finishing in the top five respectively.
Despite their unprecedented drop-off in form over the past two months, Manchester City fans will be pleased to hear Opta still gives them a 89.1% chance of clinching the potential final Champions League spot next season.
It then becomes a hotly fought battle between two of the most in-form teams in the league right now.
Despite third-placed Nottingham Forest's incredible campaign so far, Nuno Espirito Santo's side still fall below Newcastle United in the predictions for fifth place - with a 33.6% chance compared to the Magpies' 44.6%.
Four teams still have an outside chance of getting that coveted spot, with Aston Villa (13.8%), Bournemouth (9.8%), Fulham (6.2%) and Tottenham (5.4%) in the race.
'It's a great step in my career'published at 17:27 3 January
17:27 3 January
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New signing Matai Akinmboni says he is excited to join Bournemouth and that playing in the Premier League is something he has always dreamed of.
The centre-back, 18, told club media, external in his first interview after a move from DC United was confirmed on Friday: "It's a great step in my career.
"It's something I've been dreaming of since I was a little kid, always playing in Europe, especially the Premier League - the best league in the world - so I'm excited.
"I met a couple of them [new team-mates] yesterday. I've been watching the games this season and they're doing fantastic.
"Hopefully I can come in, make an impact and help the team."
Asked to describe himself as a player, Akinmboni said: "A ball-playing defender who likes to go into tackles, who's aggressive and likes to lead the team from the back. Just an aggressive defender."
Iraola on Hill's utility, new boy Akinmboni and the transfer windowpublished at 15:40 3 January
15:40 3 January
Josh Lobley BBC Sport Journalist
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola spoke to BBC Radio Solent before Saturday's Premier League game against Everton (kick-off 15:00).
Here are the key lines from his interview:
Iraola confirmed midfielder Tyler Adams is likely to return, adding: "He had a small thing, but he has been training with us this week."
On Saturday's opponents: "They are playing much better lately. I expect it will be difficult. We have to be ready for their set-pieces - they have powerful aerial threat."
He spoke highly of youngster James Hill: "[His throw-ins] are a great addition. It's a very difficult thing to defend. It's almost like a corner kick."
When asked what Hill's best position is: "He is a centre-back, but in training we have used him a lot as a number six. He has been very good in the minutes he has played there. It's good for him to have options."
On the Cherries' latest signing Matai Akinmboni: "He is a very young left centre-back who is a very good prospect. We have signed him on a long contract thinking that he can develop with us and fulfil the qualities that he has. He comes from a situation where he has had two months of holiday. He will start training with the development squad and will integrate after with us."
He didn't give much away about other plans for this month's transfer window: "You always need things but the key, for me, is adding players who have value. You have to be smart. We will see what happens."
On the potential departures of Max Aarons and Philip Billing, who have struggled for game time: "If you ask them, they will probably say it depends on the options they have. I'm happy because I feel like they are contributing and being super professional."
Bournemouth sign Akinmboni from DC Unitedpublished at 15:18 3 January
15:18 3 January
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Bournemouth have signed centre-back Matai Akinmboni from DC United.
Sources with an understanding of the deal have told the BBC the fee is 1m euros (£810,000), with additional payments should certain clauses be met.
Akinmboni, 18, became one of the youngest debutants in Major League Soccer history for DC United in September 2022 at 15 years and 328 days and went on to make 17 appearances.
He has also represented the United States at youth level.
Bournemouth technical director Simon Francis said: "He is an exciting young player we have been monitoring for an extended period and have been impressed by his progress.
"Matai is a player we believe has a very bright future and we are looking forward to seeing him develop with us."
It is the Cherries' first signing of the January transfer window.
Bournemouth v Everton: Did you know?published at 09:13 3 January
09:13 3 January
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Everton have never won a Premier League away match against Bournemouth (D2 L5), with their seven visits the most they've faced a side on the road without ever winning in the competition.
Bournemouth are unbeaten in each of their past seven Premier League games (W4 D3) – they've never had a longer run without defeat in the top flight.
Gossip: Real Madrid monitor Huijsenpublished at 07:38 3 January
07:38 3 January
Real Madrid are watching Bournemouth's Dutch centre-back Dean Huijsen, 19, as they ponder a January move. (Sun), external
'Should be a quiet window' at Bournemouthpublished at 13:23 2 January
13:23 2 January
Mark Mitchener BBC Sport senior journalist
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A new year has begun – and with it, the 'silly season' aka the January transfer window where fans, websites and keyboard warriors all claiming to be 'in the know' will take delight in reporting and re-reporting each other's rumours, half-truths and outright fiction.
Taking a step back from all that, this should not be a hugely busy window for Bournemouth, who begin the year in a league position most fans would not have dreamed of occupying. Clearly, not too much is going wrong on the pitch, so this is a squad which does not require major surgery.
Indeed, boss Andoni Iraola and his staff will be more concerned about getting some of the players they already have, out of the treatment room and back out on the pitch.
Seven first-teamers missed the exciting 2-2 draw at Fulham with injury, plus Justin Kluivert through suspension, leaving the Cherries with arguably the weakest bench they have ever named for a Premier League game.
That roster of substitutes comprised two goalkeepers, four untried development squad players without a senior appearance between them, and only three outfield players with experience. Despite this, and to his credit, Iraola has not sought to blame the injury list for the occasional dropped point during the current seven-game unbeaten run.
After the £65m summer sale of Dominic Solanke, there is no financial pressure to move players on or disrupt a winning team, so any moves into the market may be to plug the odd gap left by injuries.
Alternatively, the Cherries' recruitment team have shown willingness at this time of year to invest in players seen as "one for the future", to allow them to ease gradually into the squad before a full pre-season in the summer.
'A new extended contract for Iraola' and 'get everyone back to fitness'published at 12:47 1 January
12:47 1 January
We asked you to tell us what Bournemouth's New Year's resolution should be.
Here are some of your replies:
Clive: In the New Year, I would like to see a new extended contract for Andoni Iraola. That is all I want!
James: In 2025, I would like to see us converting more of the chances we are making. If we can do that we have a real chance of European football for the first time ever!
Ollie: We just need to get the ball in the onion bag! We are doing so well but, based on the chances we create, we could be doing even better. We could have easily won the Crystal Palace and Fulham games if we were more clinical. Our New Year's resolution should be to focus on finishing in training and/or get reinforcements in January who have proven composure in front of goal.
Mark: To learn how to break down a low block. We have struggled playing against it and thrive when teams come out to play against us. If we can do this, we will win games that we have been drawing.
Tony: To get everyone back to fitness as soon as possible and avoid further injury. If being picky, sharpen up the final finishing in the box. Otherwise, more of the same!
Andrew: A shot of caffeine for Philip Billing. I like him as a player, but he needs to up his intensity and be more like his colleagues. At Fulham, when he was unlucky not to beat the goalkeeper, he lay on his back for a full 20 seconds. This while Fulham were countering and all the rest of our team were tracking back to defend. Phil needs to step up in 2025 to be the player he can be, and we all want him to be.
Andy: A positive move towards a new stadium that enables twice as many local supporters to enjoy the Cherries' current success.
Gossip: Real Madrid interested in Huijsenpublished at 09:48 1 January
Fulham 2-2 Bournemouth - the fans' verdictpublished at 10:01 30 December 2024
10:01 30 December 2024
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We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Fulham and Bournemouth, which finished in a 2-2 draw.
Here are some of your comments:
Fulham fans
Iain: How many more points are Fulham going to drop in the last minute or in stoppage time? Without these dreadful lapses of concentration, they could be second in the league. And I suppose, that is the difference between the so-called big teams and the pretenders!
Tim: Fair result in the end but disappointed to not hold on to the win with 10 minutes to go. Missed opportunities but overall happy with current position and looking forward to the second half of the season.
Bob: Suppose it was a good point for each side as they are both playing well this season. It is two points dropped again though from a winning position. It's frustrating that we just can't close up shop in the last 15 minutes of a match. Still eighth at this stage of the season so we will take that, especially when you look at the table and see the bigger sides below us struggling. We don't want the transfer window to upset our side - so stay away from us!
Tom: Bournemouth were the better team for 60 minutes, then Tom Cairney came on and changed the game by contributing skill and directness to the midfield. A defensive mistake cost us the win, but a draw was probably a fair result.
Bournemouth fans
Marion: A fantastic point earned today at Fulham who are also flying high this season! We leave it late, but that just makes it more exciting. Well done our beloved Cherries, keep going and we may well be embarking on a magical mystery tour of Europe next season. We never know when we're beaten, and we rarely ever are! We kept going right to the end as they put so much effort in. Fulham may be able to beat Chelsea, but they can't beat us!
Wing: Our resilience has got us through this match again despite our threadbare squad at the moment. The team always have hope and in the last ten minute of games, we always have a chance as we never give up, and today we got a valuable point because of that fundamental quality under Andoni Iraola. Upwards and upwards the Cherries!
Paul: Good point in the end, although it could easily have been all three with better finishing. Definitely missed Justin Kluivert in the 10 slot and Marcus Tavernier's long-term absence continues to be a problem. Dango Ouattara's beautiful finish made up for a string of poor decisions earlier. Overall, got to be thrilled with seven unbeaten.
Ant: Bournemouth's never-say-die attitude under Iraola really is incredible. We never know when we're beaten. If we can start being more ruthless in front of goal, then Europe might beckon.
Catch up on the Premier League actionpublished at 08:49 30 December 2024
08:49 30 December 2024
Kelly Somers introduces highlights and analysis from Sunday's six Premier League fixtures.
Fulham 2-2 Bournemouth: Cherries show fighting spiritpublished at 18:11 29 December 2024
18:11 29 December 2024
Charlotte Coates BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Despite trailing twice at Craven Cottage, Bournemouth come away from the capital with a point but feeling as though they could have taken all three.
Andoni Iraola's side started the game brilliantly and on the front foot against a Fulham team without a defeat in their last six matches.
Antoine Semenyo and David Brooks peppered the goal of Bernd Leno but the German goalkeeper was equal to what they had in the first half.
After falling behind to Raul Jimenez's header against the run of play, the Cherries regrouped at the break and levelled through a super Evanilson finish from a tight angle - ending his run of seven goalless games.
Bournemouth's incredible run of seven games without loss has taken them up to sixth in the Premier League - just a point adrift of defending champions Manchester City in fifth.
Is landing a spot in Europe for next season realistic? At the rate the Cherries are going, yes it is but manager Iraola knows his side face struggles with injuries mounting.
He told BBC Match of the Day: "They don't give you anything for half of the season. We are starting to feel the injuries, we are quite thin on numbers."
Image source, Getty Images
