Cherrie picking tough but Arnie helps out

COVID MESSES WITH TINDALL TEAM SELECTION

BOURNEMOUTH 1

Danjuma 35

NORWICH 0

JASON TINDALL toasted match- winner Arnaut Danjuma as Bournemouth survived a Covid-19 scare in the battle of the relegated Premier League clubs.

Danjuma scored a superb solo goal (above) to make it seven points from a possible nine for the Cherries since returning to the second tier.

Manager Tindall, forced to leave out Wales winger David Brooks after he called in sick before the game, said: “It was a lovely goal from Arnie.

“He’s that type of player who can produce a goal from nothing. Norwich will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season, so I’m really pleased with the win today.”

On Brooks’ absence, Tindall (inset, above) added: “I got a message from David late last night saying that he’s got feverish symptoms.

“The doctor went round to his house to check him and unfortunately he was unable to play. The doctor did test him and as of yet we haven’t had the results back.”

The first half saw plenty of attacking intent from both sides, though chances were at a premium.

Dominic Solanke had an early effort well saved by Norwich keeper Tim Krul from close range before the Dutchman again showed quick reflexes to turn Jack Stacey’s header past the post.

But Krul could do nothing to stop his fellow countryman Danjuma firing past him with a crisp low drive into the bottom corner from 20 yards.

Daniel Farke’s Canaries created little in the opening 45 minutes but did come close when Lukas Rupp smashed a shot towards the top corner from the edge of the area, only for Asmir Begovic to respond with a brilliant save at full stretch.

Norwich were brighter after half-time and had two strong penalty claims waved away by referee James Linington.

First Barcelona target Max Aarons appeared to be tripped by Adam Smith and then the visiting players were screaming for a handball by Steve Cook.

Canaries chief Farke admitted he wished they had VAR available in the Championship.

He said: “There were two penalty decisions against us. Last season we were blaming VAR but today I was wishing to have it back to be honest.”

Farke also confirmed he had left Todd Cantwell – wanted by Leeds – and Emi Buendia out of the squad because he didn’t feel they were fully focused amid transfer speculation.

He added: “I just wish that this transfer window would end soon.”