OPPOSITION VIEW: BOURNEMOUTH

Ahead of our Premier League clash with Bournemouth, we spoke to Simply AFCB to see how the opposition camp are feeling:

8th in the league after 12 games, what’s been the story of Bournemouth’s season so far?

We’ve had a successful season so far on the whole and I think we’re where we expected to be at this point of the season, despite a lot of departures, making it quite unexpected of how we’d start this season, but all considering, we’ve done very well. There’s been a few minor errors especially in defence which have held us back a little, obviously having lost Milos Kerkez and two of our centre backs, we’ve really had to adapt in defence. Our replacements still need that time to settle in.

What are your thoughts on manager Andoni Iraola?

Amazing manager. I’m a big fan of his style of play most importantly, when we lose, we typically lose in style. There’s been certain games this season where we have been completely outplayed by sides, but I think Andoni’s ability to make players better and make us play the way we do is so impressive. The players seem to learn from errors and get better, hence why he’s so good at working with young players we bring in.

Antoine Semenyo had a completely forgettable loan spell with Sunderland back when we were in League One… did you ever imagine he’d reach the level he’s now at?

I’ll be honest… Probably not. But it didn’t surprise me. When he first signed for us, he looked not quite at the level of the Premier League. He didn’t get his first goal until April after signing in January, but I think his a lot of his performances and ability has been thanks to Andoni. I think he definitely needed that right manger to work out where he needed to play and how to play to get him to impress.

What kind of player is he nowadays? And would you say he’s your best player?

He’s a very direct, forward thinking winger, he wants to take shots at goal, he wants to be at the end of attacks to score goals, he likes a dribble towards goal as well, he’s very skilful and can take on players, which is quite unusual for PL players these days.

He’s definitely one of our best players, especially this season. Definite shout to be the best, good thing about our team is that there isn’t a star who makes the team work, they all play a big role!!

Other than Semenyo, who should we keep an eye out for on Saturday?

One of my favourites this season, Adrien Truffert. He’s a really impressive full back, good all rounded so don’t have to worry about him being out of position so much, and he’s good going forward. I’d say Tyler Adams as well, he’s been the guy who makes it work in the centre, he’s key to what we do every week really.

What have you made of Sunderland’s start to the season?

Excellent. I don’t know if this start to the season has surprised you, but it definitely has for me. Not saying Sunderland would’ve struggled because I don’t think so, but having 19 points at this stage of the season is really impressive for a newly promoted side. In a way it hasn’t surprised me so much because Sunderland’s business has been largely impressive. They also look really good to watch.

Do any of our players stand out to you in particular?

I think Granit Xhaka is the obvious one here, a massive addition to the squad and has been vital from what I’ve seen to Sunderland’s success. I’d also say Enzo Le Fee. I’m a big fan of him ever since Bournemouth’s owners took a starving Lorient. I was hoping we’d sign him, but I’m glad to see he’s in the Premier League now! One other player I’d say is Dan Ballard. Really impressive centre half, seen him play against us for Millwall back in 2021 and thought he was impressive then.

What’s your score prediction? Who will get the goals?

I’m gonna go with a 1-1. I can see a draw happening, I reckon an Eli Junior Kroupi goal for us and an Isidor goal for Sunderland.

Are you coming to the game?

I was VERY tempted to go to the game, but I decided against it this time around, but it’s on my to go list since I didn’t get to do Sunderland away in 16/17 or 15/16, so I’ll get round to it next year!

Finally, where do you think both sides will finish this year?

I think for Sunderland, I’d say 11th, which I think is insanely impressive for a newly promoted side. I don’t think Sunderland will struggle at all really for the rest of the season, but it’s long old season and eventually you might drop a bit of form.

I’d say for us, probably 8th? We’re going through a bit of drop in form contrasted to the start of the season, but I’m hoping we can pick up form leading to Christmas. We have the quality to get 8th, just need to keep the squad injury free and also dependant on what happens in January with one or two of our players such as Semenyo.