‘As bleak as they could be’ were the words used by Eddie Howe to describe Bournemouth’s survival hopes when heading into half time 1-0 down to Leicester City. A loss against the Foxes would have left Bournemouth six points adrift of survival and all but relegated.
The Cherries, despite being behind at half time, showed their fighting spirit once more with an incredible turnaround. A goal from Junior Stanislas, a Jonny Evans own-goal and two long-awaited Premier League goals from Dominic Solanke turned the game on its head. A ‘bleak’ situation at half time turned into a joyous one come the final whistle as the Cherries ran out 4-1 winners to create one of the upsets of the season.
Eddie Howe Praises Fearless Bournemouth Side
Eddie Howe, with a fresh glint of hope in his eyes, told Sky Sports after the game: “We had to find something, have no fear. We did that right from the off in the second half and it vastly improved our performance.
“The goals always change games and we haven’t scored enough of them recently. It was probably the first time in a long time where we’ve had some luck.”
The win would have undoubtedly restored some much-needed confidence within the Bournemouth ranks as they look to complete the great escape with three games to go.
A Much Needed Jumpstart For Solanke
Dominic Solanke, in particular, would have gained crucial confidence alongside the breaking of his goal drought. The former Liverpool man went 39 appearances without a goal before netting a timely brace when he and Bournemouth needed it most. The goals could be the jumpstart that Solanke’s career needed, too, as he looks to play his part in the Cherries’ bid for survival and score the goals that have previously gone amiss for Eddie Howe‘s side.
With Manchester City up next, Bournemouth will be desperate to pull off an even bigger shock by defeating the former Premier League Champions, and keep their run going in a bid to live on in the Premier League.
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