Tottenham vs. Bournemouth: Another must win for Spurs
By Gary Pearson
Tottenham welcome Bournemouth to White Hart Lane as massive favourites in yet another must-win Premier League encounter.
There is absolutely no margin for error as Spurs try track down Chelsea, and this weekend could prove decisive in their title pursuit. Chelsea travel to Old Trafford on Sunday in a match in which they must drop at least two points to keep Spurs’ hopes alive.
Tottenham can only take care of their own business, which starts in the early match against Bournemouth on Saturday.
Bournemouth’s away inconsistencies
Overall, Bournemouth don’t travel exceedingly well. But they’ve shown signs lately of turning their road form around. Reminiscent of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, you don’t really know what team will show up on the day.
The Cherries have amassed 11 points – two wins, five draws and nine losses – in away 16 away matches. That’s good for the 14th best – or seventh worst – record in the league. They’ve drawn three on the trot in enemy territory but haven’t won since beating Swansea 3-0 in Wales on New Year’s Eve.
Two of their last three draws have come against some Liverpool and Manchester United. Even though United have trouble putting teams away and Liverpool are susceptible defensively, the results show that Bournemouth are by no means a pushover.
The Cherries have failed to score in five away matches, only one of which occurring since Boxing Day. Lately, they’ve found a way to score in hostile environments, potting at least a goal in seven of their last eight matches.
They’ve bagged two or more goals in three matches during that span. Susceptible at the back, Bournemouth concede almost two goals on the road per game, or 33 in 16 matches.
The Cherries threats and strengths
Spurs are acutely aware of the threats Bournemouth pose going forward. They can score away goals. That much is clear.
But how do they score and from whom do the goals come?
Of Bournemouth’s 18 away goals, five have come from set pieces. Joshua King is undeniably the Cherries biggest threat going forward. King has scored eight of his 13 league goals away from Vitality Stadium.
King plays a physical brand of football but is also equipped with a sprinter’s pace. The 25-year-old Norwegian is lethal off the break, his attributes meshing perfectly with Bournemouth’s counter-attacking style.
King scored goals in his last two away games, one against both Liverpool and United. He bagged a brace at Goodison Park against Everton and is Bournemouth’s indisputable target man. King strongly favours his right boot, as 10 of his 13 league goals suggest.
Production drops off significantly after their king, with Callum Wilson, whose severe achilles tendon injury has kept him out of the team since early February, is second on six goals.
Benik Afobe has a decent return of five goals in 16 league appearances.
So this particular storyline goes: thwart the king and the peasants shall perish.
Spurs going from strength to strength
Harry Kane is back and Victor Wanyama is once again available for selection. Kane has scored five of Spurs’ eight Premier League goals against Bournemouth, one of innumerable reasons it’s nice to have the marksman back.
Spurs current 11-game home winning streak is only bettered by the 1919-1920 Tottenham team, who won 12 on the trot. During this 11-game winning streak, Spurs have outscored the opposition 33-6.
Next: Just how much have Spurs progressed this season?
Tottenham have won 14 home games so far this season and are defensively superior in every meaningful category.
Bournemouth will fight the good fight, but in the end Spurs quality and unparalleled collective confidence will render the Cherries’ efforts fruitless.