#4 Cherries show resilience but defensive lapses still a worry
For the best part of an hour, Bournemouth held their own against the league leaders, refusing to be bullied or awed by their superior quality or position in the table. It showed why and how they have come so far under Eddie Howe – from League two to the Premier League, no less - in just five seasons of having the Englishman at the helm.
They fashioned a few chances but a couple of errors is what mainly cost them against the Blues.
Diego Costa is a deadly striker, of course, but one looking for momentum in recent games. His awkwardly taken shot was going away from goal until – inexplicably, but unfortunately – Adam Smith intervened, to score on the wrong side of the pitch. That gave Conte’s charges a much-needed lift.
Hazard’s goal was beautifully taken and brilliantly assisted by N’Golo Kante but a pass that went astray in midfield while Bournemouth were in possession was what eventually led to it.
Given that their opponents have the second best defence in the league, Eddie Howe set up his men to attack and play within their limitations but the Cherries’ high defensive line was often carved open by the Blues’ wingers.
It was also a very lousy challenge by Steve Cook on Costa that resulted in the free kick which eventually led to the Marcos Alonso goal. There was no need to make that tackle and concede a dangerous set piece when there is still time and threat in the game to grab a point or even win.
While Afobe, Ryan Fraser and King are a threat in attack, Howe will need to iron out the creases in his team before they head up to North London next week to face Tottenham Hotspur.
