JORDAN Zemura is backing Cherries to “kick on” after an improved performance against Newcastle. Left-back Zemura played the full 90 minutes as Cherries shared a point with Newcastle, Marcos Senesi’s opener cancelled out by Miguel Almiron just before the break. Whilst Cherries are still without a win in seven Premier League games, performances in recent weeks have improved. However, late goals conceded at home to Nottingham Forest and Brighton meant hardly any points were produced for the efforts Cherries put into the games. Discussing the Newcastle game,
Jordan Zemura said: “I feel like you can see that our performances have been improving. Obviously, last week was quite tough to take, a 1-0 defeat to Brighton, especially at the last bits of the game. (Against Newcastle) you could see that from the lads we were switched on from minute one and then just working for each other, giving it our all. It’s annoying to concede the goal right before half time, but definitely something to build on. But we need to start turning these performances into wins because at the end of the day, they’re what’s needed most.”
The Zimbabwean international then went on to explain his confidence in the side improving further, pointing to returnees from injury and new signings bedding in. Dominic Solanke and Marcus Tavernier both made their return from injury, the attacking talents noticeable absences in recent weeks.
Jordan Zemura said: “I think you can see it from that Nottingham Forest game at home. Our squad was quite bare, a few players were injured and now people are coming back in. The likes of Junior (Hamed Traore) coming in, Tavs (Marcus Tavernier) coming back from injury, Dango coming in. It makes a big difference. Players like that can affect the game. And I think you could just see the squad start to start to really kick on a little bit now.” It’s only a matter of time. I think you could see from all of the boys, the players from injury coming back in, it’s a very strong unit, a very good dressing room. Fredo (Ryan Fredericks) coming in, hasn’t played the last couple of weeks, out with injuries, he just comes in, fits in nicely. It’s nice to have those players coming back in and affecting the game. To the players starting, you have to be on your A game because people are there to come in and take your place. It’s a good environment.
Solanke almost made a goal scoring return to the side, the striker’s flicked effort cleared off the line by England international Kieran Trippier.
Jordan Zemura added: “It’s fine margins. They clear the ball off the line in the 95th minute, inches before it goes in.We could be here celebrating three points against one of the best teams in the league.”
