Dan pips it for Cherries
JASON TINDALL promised Bournemouth fans a thrillride back to the Premier League after starting his reign as manager with a dramatic last-gasp victory.
Tindall looked set for a disappointing debut as boss after Blackburn had twice come from behind to set themselves on course for a precious away point.
But Arnaut Danjuma’s stunning winner six minutes from time ensured Eddie Howe’s successor was celebrating come full-time.
Tindall, stepping into Cherries legend Howe’s shoes after 11 seasons as his assistant over two spells, said: “It was a rollercoaster like it has been for the last 12 years.
“There were so many ups and downs and so many mixed emotions throughout the game, but I am absolutely delighted to pick up my first win.
“That is important to achieve our goal of getting back to the Premier
League.
“With the attacking players we have got, we want to get them on the ball higher up the pitch and let them express their quality as we saw today.”
Bournemouth were kicking off a season outside the top flight for the first time in five years and the first time without Howe in the dug-out since 2012.
Jack Stacey scored a memorable first goal of the Tindall era with a blistering 25-yard shot, which flew in off the inside of the post.
Keeper Mark Travers gifted Blackburn their first equaliser three minutes before half-time when he let Bradley Johnson’s speculative 35-yard effort squirm through his gloves and into the net.
Jefferson Lerma stroked the Cherries back in front eight minutes into the second half – only for Adam Armstrong to draw Blackburn level again with 17 minutes left.
Danjuma had the final say, picking the ball up on the left edge of the penalty area before curling a right-foot rocket into the top corner.
Blackburn manager Tony Mowbray said: “I genuinely felt there was only one winner once we got back to 2-2 – and that was us!
“It was an intense match and Bournemouth know they were in a tough game today. If that is our performance level for the rest of the season, then we should win matches.
“We should be proud of the way we played, the chances we created and the threat we carried against a team who have Premier League quality.”
Travers 4, Mepham 5 (Brooks 79), S Cook 6, Kelly 6, Stacey 8, L Cook 6, Lerma 7 (Gosling 59, 6), Smith 7, Stanislas 7 (Billing 85), Solankie 7, Danjuma 7.
Subs not used: Dennis, Surridge, Ofoborh, Simpson.
BLACKBURN: Kaminski 6, Nyambe 7, Lenihan 6, Williams 6, Bell 5, Johnson 5, Travis 6 (Evans 86), Holtby 6, Rankin-costello 5 (Rothwell 68, 6), Armstrong 8, Brereton 6 (Dolan 68, 6).
Subs not used: Fisher, Buckley, Wharton, Bennett.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Jack Stacey. Brilliant opening goal and a constant menace down
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