Wagner: We gifted Bournemouth win
With the Premier League approaching the halfway point, Bournemouth returned to the top six and ended their four-match losing run.
For long spells here they were outplayed, even out-fought, but Eddie Howe’s side have developed a mental resilience to match their technical skill and, in Callum Wilson, have a man in form.
Only Pierre-emerick Aubameyang has scored more league goals than Wilson this season and he had the home side ahead inside five minutes against Huddersfield, heading in Ryan Fraser’s free-kick at the front post, with the away side appealing for offside. Then the pair switched roles 17 minutes later with the league’s highest assist-maker, Fraser, scoring after Wilson had slid the ball across the area. “Those two are having excellent seasons,” said Howe. “I was pleased to see our attacking play look so dangerous early in the game.”
Plain sailing? Absolutely not. From there on David Wagner’s side were dominant, having more than two thirds of possession and 23 shots to Bournemouth’s seven.
“It was uncomfortable,” said Howe. “It was a very tough game and I respect Huddersfield a lot.”
But for all those impressive stats and Howe’s plaudits, there is one they cannot escape: no team in the professional leagues have scored fewer goals than Huddersfield this campaign. “We gave presents away,” said Wagner. “Christmas presents for Bournemouth. I don’t think we deserved anything out of this game because we gave two goals away.”
They did, deservedly, reduce the deficit before half-time. Terence Kongolo headed in his first goal for the club after Christopher Schindler and Mathias Jorgensen had won aerial duels. They picked up their relentless pace after the break with Alex Pritchard and Aaron Mooy forcing saves from Asmir Begovic.
With the pace of Wilson and Joshua King, Howe’s side always had an outlet on the counter – when they were able to get on the ball.
King should to have done much better from the edge of the area, but dragged his low shot wide. With the game wearing on, more gaps started appearing, although neither side was able to capitalise.
Bournemouth’s remarkable season continues to get better.
Bournemouth Subs Huddersfield Town Referee