Eddie Howe has achieved the impossible with Bournemouth over the past nine years and could be set to break a new record this season. The Cherries have made the best ever start to a Premier League season with 20 points from ten games. Compare this to last season when Howe’s men only had seven points to their name. So what has been the major difference to Bournemouth over the past year?
How Eddie Howe is Achieving the Impossible with AFC Bournemouth
Player Upgrades
Since Bournemouth’s arrival in the Premier League, Howe has kept the faith in veteran players. But three years on, we finally saw the Cherries manager dip into the transfer market. The summer of 2018 saw Howe spend £51 million, with the most impressive signing being World Cup star Jefferson Lerma. However, it has been the new addition of David Brooks, from Sheffield United, which has caught the eyes of many in the top division. The Welshman has scored three goals, but his all-round performance has seen the 21-year-old become a sensation already at Dean Court.
Keeping the Faith
Despite breaking the bank more than once over the summer, the 23-man-squad has rarely seen a change since their promotion from Championship. After winning the Championship in 2014/15, Bournemouth have kept nine players in their squad, with many still starting today. This has kept a bit of familiarity around the club and is one of the reasons I believe Bournemouth are still in the top-flight. If you compare it to Fulham, who signed 12 players this summer, spending a remarkable £97 million, many supporters would have thought this will be able to keep Fulham in the Premier League, but they currently sit last with only one win in 11 games. Keeping the faith in his original players has been beneficial to surviving in the Premier League but if they want to challenge for more, then Eddie Howe will have to bring in new faces.
Eddie Howe Sticking to his Gun
Over the years, many newly promoted sides all have the aim of beating the teams around them to give any hope of surviving in the Premier League. It wasn’t much different for Howe’s side after finishing 16th, beating all the odds. However, in that season, we did see a glimpse of the future as The Cherries beat Manchester United at home. Ever since then, Dean Court has become a very hard place for any team. Since promotion, Bournemouth have won 88 points at home compared to away, where they have earnt just 64 points. So, the home form from Eddie Howe men has been a big aid to their success in the Premier League and this season has been no different with just one loss in six games.
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