Howe makes a striking difference
ANOTHER week, another Bournemouth win delivered by a forward thriving under the guidance of manager Eddie Howe.
The Cherries’ 3-2 victory over West Ham in their previous Premier League outing came courtesy of a hat-trick from Joshua King, and Saturday’s routine dismissal of a poor Swansea side was sealed by King’s strike partner Benik Afobe, who forced a first-half own goal from the hapless Alfie Mawson and scored himself in the second period.
Standing in the same place where King had praised Howe’s influence seven days previously, Afobe gave credit to the Bournemouth boss for rescuing his season.
“I worked hard in pre-season but I had a little knee injury which set me back and I started the season on the bench,” the former Wolves striker said.
“I tried to get myself back in the team but the boys were doing well and I couldn’t really complain.
“I lost my head a bit and didn’t train as hard as I could have.
“I had a heart-toheart meeting with the manager and ever since then I’ve concentrated on working my way back. It was important because it shows the manager cares.
“He could have just left me out of the side and said, ‘I don’t want him in and around the changing room’.
“This is the first time this season I’ve started three games in a row.
“Six months ago I was ‘sub not used’ three games in a row so it just shows that with hard work things can change for you.
“Last week I was disappointed I missed a couple of chances and missed a penalty.
“But you should never hide and I’ve never hidden in my career. If I miss a penalty I’m willing to
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take the next one.” Perhaps fortunately for Afobe, that was not required, and Swansea were well beaten once he shot in off Lukasz Fabianski’s far post.
The Swans won five of Paul Clement’s first eight games in charge, losing only to Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City.
But they have now been beaten by Hull and Bournemouth in successive games.
Their first match after the international break is at home to fellow strugglers Middlesbrough and that now looks like a must-win.
“The international break gives a few of our injured players like Martin Olsson and Kyle Naughton the chance to recover in time for the next game,” said Leroy Fer after an uncomfortable afternoon in which the Swansea midfielder operated as an emergency right-back.
“It gives everyone the chance to refocus a bit and recharge the batteries for what is going to be a crucial time for us.
“We had played very well with a lot of confidence recently, but last week against Hull and against Bournemouth we weren’t at our usual level.
“It’s a setback and we have to get back to the level where we were before.”
BOURNEMOUTH (4-4-2):