Bournemouth’s disappointing 3-0 defeat to Watford means they now sit second from bottom in the Premier League table, and have incurred 4 points from a possible 30 since their last victory over Manchester United in September, making this their worst ever run under Eddie Howe in the top flight.
It’s not the only stat causing panic for the coaching staff, they have also scored the joint lowest league goals at this stage of the season, level with Watford and Crystal Palace. It’s been a remarkable downward slide for the club. At this stage last season, they sat comfortably in 12th place on 30 points. This season, they are 10 points worse off.
While it may be plausible to blame Bournemouth’s current form on their terrible run of injuries to 10 of their first team stars such as Josh King, David Brooks, and Junior Stanislas, it seems as though Eddie Howe isn’t making the best use of the players currently available to him.
Throughout Bournemouth’s impressive rise in the Barclays Premier League, Eddie Howe has always been heavily reliant on pacey wingers and their ability to work so effectively around Callum Wilson, like the Norwegian Josh King who is currently one of Howe’s most consistent performers. Injuries to such players have exposed Bournemouth’s frailties in attack, and they are no longer the exciting team they once where.
Against Watford, Bournemouth lined up in their customary 4-4-2 setup.
It is a formation that has become the hallmark of much of Bournemouth’s quick transitional play especially through their wingers on either flank and full-backs. Also their fluid movement in an around the final third has often caused defences many problems but injuries to key players certainly hasn’t helped their cause, especially for the players who aren’t on the treatment table.
Ryan Fraser has lost his aura and isn’t the fearsome little lightning winger he’s always shown. Harry Wilson – despite showing glimpses of his quality – has lacked the consistency that made him so vital under Frank Lampard at Derby in the Championship last season.
But there is certainly a case to argue that Howe’s 4-4-2 system isn’t bringing out their best. Fraser and Wilson aren’t flying wingers like King and Stanislas, they are more creative wingers becoming most influential when drifting inside, in the half-space or in between the opposition’s defence and midfield. It’s within those positions that Fraser and Wilson work most of their magic. Last season, Fraser became one of the league’s top creators, involved in 21 of Bournemouth’s 56 Premier League goals (7 goals, 14 assists). Harry Wilson for Derby, scored 16 goals, and assisted 4.
One which Eddie Howe could take on board if he is to arrest Bournemouth’s dramatic slide. Rather than relying on his trusted 4-4-2 in which the midfielders must be tireless and efficient workhorses, he could line up in a 4-3-3 or a 4-1-4-1 shape, sacrificing one of his strikers for more creativity around the lone frontman and more importantly, providing security in a midfield that currently lacks the discipline to sit and sweep up the opponents counter attacking moves. Bournemouth are so easy to play through due to a lack of security in front of the back four. Howe’s team are known for their knack of conceding goals, but always held the necessary quality in attack to bail themselves out of trouble with their relentless energy and swift attacking moves. It just hasn’t been the case this season. Instead of conceding and scoring more goals as regularly is the case with Howe’s side, they are now scoring less and conceding more.
Jefferson Lerma was brought in for security in front of their defence, but he’s been found wanting in Howe’s 4-4-2 setup. A shift to a possible 4-3-3 could bring the best out of the Colombian. Not only is he good in breaking up play, he also has a good range of passing. Though, he needs bodies alongside him in midfield to carry out his duties effectively.
The 4-3-3 is a formation that provides control in possession and security without it.
For the system to work, Bournemouth’s full-backs must become highly proficient in attack as well as defending . Diego Rico and Adam Smith are both naturally flying full-backs. Their constant running in support of the attack will allow Fraser and Wilson the license to drift inside and support Callum Wilson centrally. The England international is currently embarking on a disastrous run of 14 games without a goal, a run which stretches back to September. The fluidity, speed, and creativity of both wingers could provide Callum Wilson a solution to his dry spell in front of goal.
What’s also helpful in this formation is that one of the two midfielders in front of Lerma could act as an effective box-to-box player, a midfield runner who can have an influence in attack as well as in defence, someone like Lewis Cook who is an elegant all-round performer when given the opportunity. Brilliant in possession, has an eye for a cute pass, and a predator in the tackle. The 4-3-3 formation could be perfect for players like Lewis Cook, who can also perform a role in front of the defence too. Phillip Billing’s towering presence could be a mouthwatering prospect for Eddie Howe in this system also. If Cook is given the licence to roam then Billing could drop back with Lerma and help sweep up counter attacks providing adequate cover for the attacking full-backs.
Against Watford, Bournemouth only had the one shot on target, and that was down to a lack of quality in attack and support from the midfield. At the other end, they were left exposed defensively by Watford’s quick and bullish attackers.. It’s time Eddie Howe becomes flexible and alters his game plan, one that suits and complements the players available to him. Bournemouth are in desperate need of some inspiration, injection and confidence, a shift in formation to a flexible 4-3-3 could provide just that.
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