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Date: 22 November 2025
Given the horrendous conditions I’d had to drive through, I was relieved that I saw the Cherries score at least one point today!
Seriously, both journeys were made through continuous heavy rain and (at times) a mist too. This was very tiring, requiring a lot of concentration. I even feared at one point that the match would be cancelled after I’d driven all that way – but I’d forgotten that in the Premier League there are no waterlogged pitches! At least, despite only being in row D, I was able to stay dry in my seat – the only challenge being that the very tall guy in front of me leapt up and blocked my view whenever anything exciting occurred!
In Kluivert’s and Semenyo’s absence Brooks and Kroupi were in the starting line-up. Diakite was also starting but perhaps the biggest surprise was Cook starting at right back despite both Smith and Jiménez being on the bench.
The first half was poor and Callum Wilson scored twice. For his first (early) goal, he headed down to his feet a ball he’d received direct from the keeper, and then shot powerfully from distance with Petrovic getting a hand to it but unable to stop it. His second goal was from close range but they all count. He’d scored twice against his old club but, I was pleased to note, still received a warm ovation from the home fans when he was substituted in the second half. Half time score: 0-2.
Iraola brought on Christie for Scott (a straight swap) and Jiménez for Diakite (Cook moving to centre back) – both at half time. Subsequently he brought on Adli in place of Brooks. The second half was better than the first, and a handball incident led to a penalty which – in the absence of both Kluivert and Semenyo – after some discussion Tavernier took. And what a powerful shot it was! 1-2.
The late introductions of Unal and Smith created some confusion (in my mind at least) as to everyone’s role. But that didn’t matter: within a minute of coming on Unal had scored the equaliser. The last ten minutes was all Bournemouth but we couldn’t get the winner. Final score, 2-2 – all four goals being scored at the opposite end of the pitch from where I was sitting!
The team lined up as follows at the start of the game:
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Petrovic;
Cook, Diakite, Senesi, Truffert;
Scott, Adams;
Brooks, Kroupi, Tavernier;
Evanilson
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