Premier League 2018/19 review: Bournemouth have plenty of room for improvement
Bournemouth achieved their primary objective of Premier League survival without too much of a problem and Eddie Howe continued to develop talents like Ryan Fraser, Callum Wilson, Nathan Ake, David Brooks and Joshua King. The aforementioned trio have even been linked with big money moves to the Premier League’s biggest club in the summer.
However, it’s been only a steady season for the Cherries and it’s not unreasonable to suggest it should have been better. Howe invested more than £80m in his squad over the course of the season and only managed to improve Bournemouth’s points haul from last season by one.
Furthermore, Bournemouth's matches produced more goals than any other team in the Premier League (126) and that is not a good thing, as the Cherries finished the campaign with a goal difference of -14, having conceded an astonishing 70 goals, nine more than last term.
Consistency remains Bournemouth’s main issue. Their longest winning streak in the league was just two matches and Howe has a lot of work to do to take the club to another level.
Highest rated player - Ryan Fraser (7.10)
Bournemouth understandably face a tall order to convince Ryan Fraser to pledge his long-term future at the club following a thoroughly impressive campaign at Dean Court, with Arsenal among the teams interested.
The Scotland international played a direct hand in 21 goals in 38 league games, with only Eden Hazard (15) providing more assists than the 25-year-old (14) in the Premier League. Furthermore, Fraser created at least 10 more clear-cut chances than any other player in the division (28).
Biggest disappointment – Dominic Solanke
Bournemouth’s decision to sign Dominic Solanke from Liverpool in January was clearly made with one eye on the future but it doesn’t change the fact it has been a thoroughly underwhelming six months for the 21-year-old.
Their interest in Solanke was understandable given his talent but the £19m fee raised eyebrows at the time, particularly as he failed to make any impression at Liverpool and hadn’t made a single appearance for Jurgen Klopp’s side this season.
Solanke is still waiting for his first Bournemouth goal; having failed to score from 11 shots spread over 10 league appearances for the Cherries.
Surprise package – David Brooks
Bournemouth identified David Brooks as a long-term talent when they signed him from Sheffield United last summer but they will probably admit themselves they didn’t expect such an immediate impact.
The south coast club shelled out £10m to sign the Wales international and his performances have been so impressive this season that they have already rewarded the 21-year-old with a new long-term deal this season.
Brooks finished his maiden Premier League campaign with an impressive return of seven goals and five assists.
Where to improve: A new goalkeeper
Scoring goals wasn't a problem for Bournemouth this season, netting more times in the Premier League than any other side outside the top-six (56). However, as already touched on, they simply couldn't stem the flow of goals they conceded. In fact, only Fulham (81) and Huddersfield (76) conceded more goals than Bournemouth this season, which points at where they need drastic improvements in the summer.
Bournemouth signed long-term target Chris Mepham in January to bolster their defensive options but their biggest issue remains in goal. Howe rotated between Asmir Begovic and Artur Boruc throughout the campaign and even handed 19-year-old Mark Travers his debut on the penultimate weekend.
Begovic is almost certain to leave after falling out with Howe midway through the campaign but that is by no means a loss for the club. The former Chelsea goalkeeper has been sub-par for a long time now and requires an urgent upgrade. In fact, no player committed more errors leading to an opposition goal than Begovic (five) in the Premier League this season.
Final league finish: 14th
Grade – C
