Ouattara made an eye-catching start to his Cherries career, providing an assist in a 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest just days after his £20million arrival from FC Lorient. That goal, his first for the club, came shortly after Arnaut Danjuma looked to have rescued a point for the hosts. Asked what it was like watching the final minutes unfold whilst watching on from the bench having been substituted,
Ryan Christie said: “A big day, a big win. Honestly, I genuinely think we deserved to win. Obviously frustrated with the first goal and then we dominated the whole first half. The second half was a bit different, it was a bit sticky. But I think we did well, they didn’t really create too much, although they obviously dominated possession second half. Their second goal I think is offside, but we don’t get it. And then Dango comes up with a bit of genius, chops inside and goal. Buzzing.”
Put to him most people would have thought Ouattara would take the shot on on his favoured left foot, rather than cut back inside past Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and slot in right-footed,
Ryan Christie added: “So did I and I think everybody did! He chops inside and what a finish as well, especially so late in the game. I’m buzzing for him. What a way for you to get your first goal. I’m delighted for him, delighted for all the boys. I thought the defenders – Chris Mepham was ridiculous, so good. Same with Jack Stephens. Because that’s their main threat obviously, (Heung-min) Son and (Harry) Kane. And we dealt with them pretty well.”
Asked how big a boost that goal will give Ouattara going forwards,
Ryan Christie said: “Absolutely. What a time, especially with the run-in as well coming up now. With the attributes he’s got, he’s going to be a big player for us. Hopefully he can kick on now as well between now and the end of the season.”
Jaidon Anthony, who replaced Christie during the second half,
Jaidon Anthony said: “I think it (his quality) has been clear to see from the moment he came in really. Obviously last week (at Leicester) it probably wasn’t his best game, I think he’d be the first to say that. But he’s been top for us and I’m very happy he managed to get the goal that he deserves, because he’s helped us so much already.”
