We finally scored from open play, but a defensive lapse gave Bournemouth their first league win since October.
GK Guglielmo Vicario
Bournemouth had 3 shots on target and scored 3 goals, but Vicario has every right to be frustrated with the defending in front of him for each of them. This is particularly true for the winner, which was well struck but not closed down despite a lot of defenders in the area. Also, not great distribution from Vicario, which has been inconsistent at best this season. Even so, today’s defeat was not on him. Rating: 5
RB Pedro Porro
Porro has now faced Antoine Semenyo twice and severely struggled both times. This was an improvement on the home game but not by much. Did get forward as we grew into the game but not consistently enough and just does not appear to be the same attacking threat under Thomas Frank that we saw more consistently last season. Rating: 4
LB Djed Spence
After Ben Davies came in for the last game and played very well, Frank decided to change things again at left back and start Spence. Putting Thomas Frank’s seemingly erratic team selections aside, Spence did play well in the first half but had a far less comfortable second. Was fortunate not to give away a goal with a poor clearance before losing the ball late in the game which resulted in Semenyo’s winner. Rating: 5
CB Cristian Romero
Unusual for a center back to be in and out of the game but that is what seemed to be the case for Romero. Started with energy and was heavily involved, then seemed more withdrawn and looked like he was struggling with some of the opposition movement. Was then one of the players that stepped up and dragged us back into the game in the second half, winning challenges and venturing forward as the game turned into one that really suits Romero. Rating: 7
CB Micky van de Ven
Not Micky’s best game defensively but improved in the second half. We also saw one of those brilliant bursting runs that are so difficult to stop and looked to have won us a penalty. VAR correctly ruled it out, even if the yellow card was harsh. Looked a threat from corners as well. Rating: 7
CM Rodrigo Bentancur
Inconsistent performance. Initially did well attacking and moving the ball forward but was another that became more withdrawn as we came under pressure in the first half. Looked a little more comfortable after the Bournemouth substitutions in the second half seemed to allow him more time on the ball. Rating: 4
CM João Palhinha
Our best player throughout the game. Brilliant equalizer and has now scored several spectacular goals this season. Palhinha will always bring aggression and will win challenges, but his all-round play was also very good. We did lose some control after he was substituted late on. Rating: 8
RW Lucas Bergvall
Showed his usual energy, good touches, and some shots at goal but, as in his last few appearances, a final ball is often not quite working for Bergvall. We do look better when he is in the side and he brings an inventiveness that we are lacking elsewhere. Rating: 6
LW Mathys Tel
Has played in different positions this season but this is where Tel seems most effective. Took his goal well, cutting inside and finishing low. Was not able to push on from there too much but was still industrious and provided an outlet for attacks. Like many in the squad, would probably benefit from a run of games in a settled position. Rating: 6
AM Xavi Simons
Back after suspension and with a backheel assist after the first 5 minutes. Had a similar problem to Odobert who played in this position in the last game, in that we are not building attacks through him enough. Still looks unsettled in the side even at this stage of the season. As for Tel, a run of games in the same position is needed for Simons. Rating: 5
CF Randal Kolo Muani
Another game where Muani struggled to get involved. Given this has been consistent for whoever we play up front this season, Thomas Frank’s tactics for the players he has should be questioned. Muani did not get much support but was also unable to make an attacking impact himself and was substituted. Still looking for his first Premier League goal. Rating: 3
Substitutes: Richarlison, Wilson Odobert, Archie Gray
Better display from Richarlison as he improved the attack when he came on. Hit the post with a header, closed the opposition down, and looked a threat. Odobert continues to be more impactful as a substitute than in starts and, although still quiet, he became more involved in the game late on. Archie Gray needed to be stronger in challenges when he came on and seemed to struggle to adjust to the pace of the game.
Ratings: Richarlison (6), Odobert (5), Gray (4)