Bournemouth 1-2 Arsenal: 3 Talking points | FA Cup 2019/20

#2 Passive Bournemouth

AFC Bournemouth v Arsenal FC - FA Cup Fourth Round

It’s not an exaggeration to say that this is the toughest time of Eddie Howe’s tenure at Bournemouth. As the man that took the Cherries from League One to the Premier League, many would say his job is pretty much secure for life. Nevertheless, even those who have done so much still come under scrutiny. In the league, Howe’s men sit in the relegation zone having won twice in eight games.

Bournemouth started the game just like a team void of confidence. They stood off the Gunners and allowed Arsenal to pass the ball around the back with minimal pressure. They were simply penned into their own half and only attempted three shots. The likes of Dominic Solanke and Ryan Fraser simply strolled around aimlessly up top, with no intention of pressing the Gunners’ backline. The few times they did press, the Arsenal defence made mistakes.

In the second half, the Cherries came out with a little more intensity, but it was simply too little too late.