David Moyes
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- David Moyes beleives Dominic Solanke goal for Bournemouth was ‘lucky’ #WHUFC

August 14, 2023
The Hammers were on course for an away win to start their Premier League season, thanks to Jarrod Bowen’s brilliant strike. But Cherries earned a 1-1 draw, Solanke skipping around goalkeeper Alphonse Areola to tuck home, after he collected the ball in the box following Antoine Semenyo’s wayward shot. Asked if he felt his defence switching off cost his side victory, Moyes said: “I don’t know if I’d agree that it was a loss of concentration. I would say it was a really unfortunate moment. “The boy has struck it, it has hit Tomas Soucek’s heel and diverted into the boy’s path. To be fair, he rounds the goalkeeper really well. “It was a completely lucky moment. But also a moment they’ll probably say their centre-forward anticipated it very well.” Discussing the game as a whole, Moyes added: “I didn’t think we looked as if we were going to desperately concede. They had a couple of shots which had come close. “Their size and stature got bigger as the game went on and it put us under pressure with corner kicks, more than when they were getting them earlier. “But it was disappointing. If you look at the goal, it’s a really scruffy goal. “I don’t know if the boy crosses it or shoots, but we should’ve done maybe better to stop that in the first place. It hits Tomas Soucek’s heel and bounces into the line of the centre forward. “It was really bad fortune by us, but we probably brought it on. “We didn’t do enough to control the game midway through the second half. I just thought we looked as if once we got the goal, we’d try and find a way of hanging on.” Moyes was facing a Cherries side managed in a competitive fixture for the first time by Andoni Iraola, the Spaniard having arrived from Rayo Vallecano over the summer. “I was a bit unsure what to expect from Bournemouth in how they would play,” former Manchester United boss Moyes admitted. “We dealt with it, in the main, with a bit of a mid-block. We didn’t really go after the ball as much as we can. But for long periods it worked. “I think you’ll see a lot of changes this year. I’m watching some games at the moment where there is not as much intensity, because the quality of some of the teams are so good on the ball, it means why would you expose yourself to the teams playing round you? “I think you’re going to see a lot more of that this season.”
Roberto De Zerbi
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Roberto De Zerbi gives his verdict as Brighton beat Luton 4-1 #BHAFC

August 13, 2023
The Seagulls saw off promoted Luton 4-1 with goals from Solly March, Joao Pedro (penalty), Simon Adingra and Evan Ferguson. They also hit the post on three occasions. De Zerbi said: “I think we played well - not one of the best games in my time. “But we need much time to reach the same level, the same quality of play as last season. “Anyway, we won a very tough game. “We played well also in the first half. Maybe we could move the ball faster, change parts where we were attacking. But I am really pleased.” De Zerbi looked unhappy with some aspects of the performance, turning away even as Albion constructed the move which saw March head the opener. He said: “I think in the first half we moved the ball not so fast and, when you play against 11 players behind the line of the ball, you have to move the opponent. “If you want to attack in the right way, you have to be faster. “Solly could play faster. Sometimes he kept the ball too much time. “But Solly is a great player and I am happy for his goal because he started very well.”
Jaidon Anthony
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Jaidon Anthony reacts to AFC Bournemouth’s 1-1 draw with West Ham #AFCB

August 13, 2023
Anthony played the first hour of the contest, coming off as Cherries trailed to Jarrod Bowen’s curled effort from outside the box. Dominic Solanke popped up eight minutes from time to ensure the spoils from Andoni Iraola’s first game in charge of Cherries would be shared. Speaking to the Daily Echo after the game, Anthony commented: “Tough fight. “They're a good side, they're good at what they do. “But, probably a good point. “It's a positive start. “Obviously we wanted the win, but, they're really good at what they do and it was a tough game. “Like I said, I think we got what we deserved and went in the right direction.” Asked if he felt a difference between the intensity of pre-season and competitive football, Anthony replied: “Maybe. “The manager’s pushed us hard in pre-season, so I feel like we put a lot into that. “It was a big day for us today. “They're really good at what they do, they make it hard. I feel like we brought up a good fight and got what we deserved.” Anthony and Cherries’ focus now turns to a trip to Anfield next weekend, when they face Liverpool on Saturday, August 19.  
Roberto De Zerbi
Posted inDaily News

#PLStories- Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi delighted to beat Brentford in pre season friendly #BHAFC

July 28, 2023
Simon Adingra netted both goals in the Premier League Summer Series encounter at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, as the Seagulls bounced back from a 4-3 loss to Chelsea in Philadelphia at the weekend. And the head coach admitted it was just what his players needed ahead of the 2023-24 domestic campaign. "I'm really happy, really delighted for the performances, for the result, for the quality of play," De Zerbi told the club website. "It was a very tough game but we knew before the game Brentford is a very good team. "And we need this game to prepare the start of the Premier League." Albion took the lead when Ivorian winger Adingra brought down Jason Steele's long pass with a superb touch before beating Bees keeper Mark Flekken. And after Frank Onyeka and Keane Lewis-Potter missed good chances to level, Adingra doubled Albion's tally just before the hour, curling home a shot from Steven Alzate's pass. De Zerbi praised the 21-year-old, adding: "I know the quality of Adingra, he's another big player for us. "I think we are building a very strong team, with many players in every position of the pitch for competition. "We have to be ready to change many players every three days.Adingra, Ferguson, Enciso they are very young. We have other attackers, Lallana, Welbeck, Mitoma but we have to be many players because the season will be very tough." Chelsea transfer target Moises Caicedo made his first appearance of pre-season as a 65th-minute replacement for Alzate and De Zerbi reiterated his position on the Ecuadorian midfielder. "I'm still happy when I watch the big player playing in my team and Moises is one of these big players, and I will like to keep him with me," he said. Albion face Newcastle at the Red Bull Arena in Hamilton, New Jersey in the third and final match of their USA tour in the early hours of Saturday morning, before returning to the UK and hosting Rayo Vallecano at the Amex on August 6. They begin the new Premier League season with a visit from top-flight new boys Luton Town six days later.
Ruben Selles
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Southampton boss Ruben Selles addresses James Ward-Prowse’s substitution amid uncertainty #SAINTSFC

May 29, 2023
The 28 year old was substituted for 16 year old academy starlet Sam Amo-Ameyaw after 87 minutes in front of his supporters at St Mary’s. Ward-Prowse, on his 409th club appearance, had scored the first of his side’s four goals on the evening, seemingly wiping tears from his eyes as he left the pitch. Selles, asked if the substitution was a goodbye, explained: “It wasn't a goodbye. Prowsey has been here for 20 years and is the captain. “He deserved that moment with the crowd to end the season that hasn't been easy. We didn't think about what happens next." Theo Walcott confirmed ahead of the match that it would be his final appearance for the club, coming to the end of a contract in his second spell at the club. Walcott has made 82 appearances for Saints after emerging from the academy in 2005 and making a transfer to Arsenal the next year. Selles added: "I have no bad words to speak about Theo Walcott, his performance and him as a person. “He's been an amazing professional for the club. Every time he plays he gives 100 per cent and he tries to make the other players better." "He has been a threat for the opposition every time and he has been trying to do the very best for himself, for the club and for his teammates. “So for me, it has been a blessing to coach a player like him and I personally wish him all the best."
Gary O’Neil
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Gary O’Neil slams Premier League referees after season-ending loss against Everton #AFCB

May 29, 2023
Cherries went through the entire campaign without being awarded a penalty, finishing 15th in the table following the 1-0 loss at Goodison Park. O’Neil claims Cherries could have been awarded a spot-kick for a challenge by Yerry Mina on Dominic Solanke on Sunday, and has previously said how the Premier League’s refereeing chief Howard Webb has regularly apologised to him personally for errors made by officials. O’Neil received a yellow card from referee Stuart Attwell during Sunday’s at Everton, during a frantic spell in the contest which also saw Solanke, Jordan Pickford and Adam Smith cautioned. Asked why he had received his booking, O’Neil told the Daily Echo: “The fact we’ve got 39 points this season with the level of officiating against us is a miracle. “The fact that it’s taken me that long to get booked is also a miracle. I thought the refereeing was terrible. “We’re the first team ever since VAR has been introduced not to receive a penalty. I just thought any time there was a decision that could go either way, it went to them, which is what I feel we’ve suffered this season. “I’ve spoken to Howard Webb a lot on Sundays. Generally it’s ‘yes, we should’ve got that one right, apologies’, but it can’t be us that always suffers on the day and then retrospectively are told we should’ve had something. “Hopefully next season it improves for us. I think it’s been really, really poor for us.” He added: “Apart from some of the stuff we’ve done and that I’m responsible for and look to improve, I think one of my biggest disappointments this year is the level of officiating that we’ve suffered. “I just think over the course of the season, the ones that can go against us have. So I’m disappointed.”
Gary O’Neil
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Gary O’Neil believes Bournemouth were the ‘better side’ at Everton despite losing #AFCB

May 29, 2023
Abdoulaye Doucoure’s fierce half-volley proved the difference early in the second half as the Toffees ran out 1-0 victors at Goodison Park. The game was played in a ferocious atmosphere, with the home crowd whipping up a frenzy to push their side over the line to secure the victory they needed to secure their Premier League status. Asked for his assessment of Cherries’ performance, boss O’Neil told the Daily Echo: “I thought we were the better side. I thought we had control for the most part. “There’s still lots there that we need to progress on, but we knew what we were coming in to. “A tough atmosphere, a direct team and we’ve struggled with playing against direct teams this season. I thought the lads stood up to it very, very well. “We maybe didn’t create enough from the situations that we had, although we created a couple of really good ones. “I’m excited that we’ve got to a point where we can come here and perform like that, under tough conditions, tough pressure. “Have loads of the ball, controlled with it. We maybe got a little bit too desperate towards the end, we started chucking things forward slightly early and suffered a couple of counter-attacks. “There was a lot there that I like, a team that I feel represented what I stand for - stood up to the physical battle, showed bravery and calmness with the ball. “I was disappointed that we couldn’t score a goal. I always thought we’d get one. I thought we looked dangerous enough to score.” Despite their 62 per cent possession, Cherries recorded just two shots on target, coming closest to scoring when substitute Matias Vina saw his shot parried away by Jordan Pickford in second-half stoppage time. Discussing the atmosphere at Goodison Park, O’Neil said: “It was enjoyable. I thought the lads handled it very well. “I thought we stood up to Everton’s direct play, showed real good control and calmness and quality with the ball. “It was what I expected it to be and I thought the lads coped with it very well.” Cherries finish the season in 15th place in the Premier League, with 39 points from their 38 matches. They netted 37 goals and conceded 71, with only Leeds United (78) and Southampton (73) seeing more goals go in against them. O’Neil’s men suffered defeat in each of their final four fixtures of the season.
Roberto De Zerbi
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Roberto De Zerbi praises Brighton display against Man City after a thrilling 1-1 draw #BHAFC

May 25, 2023
A brilliant goal by Julio Enciso secured the 1-1 draw which made sure of sixth place. Head coach De Zerbi said: “I am happy because first of all we have to respect our club, our fans, ourselves. “We have to show courage, we have to show we believe in ourselves. “We believe to win if possible against the best team in the world. “We needed one point. We didn’t receive gifts, we deserved to get a point today. “We deserved to play Europa League next year. “I am really proud because I think today has been one of the best games this season. “Very tough but we played with incredible courage, incredible quality, incredible first XI. “Dunk couldn’t play, Mac Allister couldn’t play 90 minutes. “Webster couldn’t play, Veltman after 70 minutes on Sunday couldn’t play. “JP (Van Hecke), Bill Gilmour, Enciso. “Buonanotte was fantastic. I think one of the best players on the pitch. “The improvement of the players has been fantastic and for me is a big satisfaction. “I don’t work with 11 players but I have to work for all the players.”
Illia Zabaryni
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- AFC Bournemouth’s Illia Zabaryni speaks after Manchester United loss #AFCB

May 23, 2023
Ukrainian international Zabarnyi has started both of Cherries’ last two fixtures, back-to-back defeats against Crystal Palace and the Red Devils. Casemiro’s ninth minute scissor kick proved the difference between the two side, with Zabarnyi putting in an assured and astute performance at the back. A January signing from Dynamo Kyiv, injury prevented the centre-back from making his Premier League debut until April, with Zabaryni coming off the bench in the defeat to Brighton. In total, he has made four appearances in red and black, also playing 22 minutes of Cherries’ win at Southampton. Asked what he had made of his first starts for Cherries, Zabarnyi told the Daily Echo: “We played against two good teams, both Crystal Palace, very nice players, and Manchester United with very big quality players and of course, it's very good experience for me. I'm feeling good. “(Manchester United) they attack a lot and they have good players, quality and fast players, very good dribbling and of course for a defender it's best practice. “When you defend against best players in the league, you improve. “It's a little unlucky. It's a good performance. “We were good, strong play. “Now, it's very hard because we play against a good team and big quality players and I think we do it well, but a little unlucky.” Capped 24 times by Ukraine, Zabarnyi described the quality of the Premier League as “another level” to international football. He continued: “It's another level, I think, because of course, it's so fast. “Everyone can score at every moment. “And if you attack, one second (later), you are defending. “It's really important because you need to be ready every time. It's really hard.” With Cherries safe heading into the final game of the season, Zabarnyi believes the zero-pressure environment will allow him to improve ahead of pre-season and what he believes will be an even tougher campaign next season. “Now it's important to start to play, start to improve, because next season it's harder, I think, and we need to give the best version of us,” he finished. Cherries travel to relegation threatened Everton in their final game of the season on Sunday (kick-off 4.30pm). Zabarnyi is expected to be called up for international duty with Ukraine this summer, for European Championship qualifiers against Malta and Macedonia, as well as a friendly with Germany.
Erik ten haag
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag on beating AFC Bournemouth #MUFC

May 22, 2023
Cherries struggled to deal with their guests for most of the first period, with ten Hag’s side hemming the hosts inside their own half for the opening half hour. The Red Devils managed to convert their dominance into an early goal, Casemiro’s acrobatic finish in the ninth minute eventually proving to be the difference. Despite their control of possession, United struggled to create clear-cut chances, whilst Cherries themselves failed to truly trouble David De Gea in the Red Devils’ goal, with substitute Kieffer Moore’s gilt-edged opportunity late on their most dangerous of the afternoon. After the game, the Manchester United boss shared: "We go from game to game and (after Bournemouth) we are happy I think. “A great performance, a good team performance. “The first 25 minutes was really good, it was a brilliant performance from our team. Building up, staying compact, the counter press. “A lot of things were magnificent. I hope we can stay longer at such levels and that is what we have to work for.” Whilst Cherries defender Marcos Senesi almost intercepted Christian Eriksen’s assist for Casemiro’s opener, the goal itself included a moment of individual brilliance as the Brazilian swiveled and fired past his compatriot Neto with a scissor kick. “It was great,” ten Hag restarted when discussing the goal. “I think the whole midfield played brilliantly. We're coaching a lot of movement behind and now it's coming out of the third line. “It's a great run from Casemiro and great touch from Christian Eriksen. And the finish is brilliant, of course it was." Manchester United require one point from their final two games to secure a top-four finish, and with it, a place in next season’s Champions League. They host Chelsea at Old Trafford on Thursday evening, before also welcoming Fulham to the Theatre of Dreams on the final day, next Sunday.