Can Bournemouth leave another glass ceiling in shards?
In a sense, nothing had really changed for Bournemouth. Callum Wilson’s equaliser was superb and Steve Cook’s header well-taken, while Ryan Fraser was excellent. But coming from behind to beat West Ham was nothing out of the ordinary. Eddie Howe’s side salvaged 21 points from losing positions last season; they have made a habit of tripping over their own shoelaces at the start line before catching up with the chasing pack.
Yet it still felt different, like a corner had been turned. This was only the third time the comeback kings had ever won from behind away from home in the Premier League. It took until October 21 for them to reach the six-point mark last season, and August 18 this. In their three full Premier League campaigns, they took six, six and nine games to register the two victories they have already earned in as many games in 2018/19. For the first time in their history, they have won four successive top-flight fixtures.
It is tangible progress for the Premier League’s most stable club. Howe is now the longest-serving manager in the top flight, and ranks fourth in the entire Football League. Saturday’s starting line-up contained as many players who made their Bournemouth debut in League One as in the Premier League (4). Just one summer signing featured – and David Brooks offered yet more proof that Howe’s transfer Achilles heel has been successfully treated.
Howe clearly values what he epitomises: continuity over change. Manchester City and Tottenham were the only clubs to make fewer signings this summer, and the five clubs that finished below Bournemouth brought in between five and 14 new faces. Howe spent almost exactly half as much (£47.2m to £94.5m) on three players as West Ham did on 11, despite finishing just one place and two points higher.
The result was a true statement of intent. Manuel Pellegrini was in charge for his first home game, the Premier League’s third-highest paid manager, a former title winner, a man who started his coaching career in 1988, pitted against one who made his playing debut seven years later. It was a mismatch, but the apprentice has mastered the underdog role.
Both sides will have sensed an opportunity, a gap in a crowded market. The Squeeze has had a detrimental effect on the Premier League’s mid-to-lower table, but has opened doors to teams who prioritise hard work and organisation. Burnley have set an achievable marker for the everyman to strive towards.
If Bournemouth are to leave yet another glass ceiling in shards in their perennial ascent, a seemingly impressive if unspectacular win at the London Stadium could be the unlikely catalyst. “We came into the changing room and discussed what we wanted our season to be,” said Charlie Daniels after the game. “We said the next 45 minutes could have been a real decider about what we could achieve.”
Those 45 minutes turned defeat into victory, one win into two, three points into six. These might sound like negligible differences, but confidence and belief has never been higher at Dean Court. That summer arrival Diego Rico and record signing Jefferson Lerma are yet to even make an appearance puts the Cherries on top.
At such an early stage of the season, that is completely new territory for Bournemouth. Having avoided their customary false start, it will be interesting to watch them try and keep their breath as they set the pace from the front.
Matt Stead