flag
back Retour
AC Milan await after Bournemouth enjoy 'rest cure'
Bournemouth striker Evanilson smiles and hugs team-mate Ryan Christie after scoring against Sunderland on Sunday

In Victorian times, doctors would often prescribe a short visit to Bournemouth as a "rest cure", with the sea air thought to help patients convalesce.

For Marco Rose's Cherries side, enjoying the comforts of home have been paramount this week, with the first two of a run of three home games in eight days bringing back-to-back victories - and back-to-back clean sheets - against Sturm Graz and Sunderland.

I wrote on these pages a week ago that two home wins would bring the feelgood factor back - and though they were contrasting occasions, Rose and his staff will hope the week represents a turning point in their fortunes.

The first home European tie of Bournemouth's 127-year history was always going to be an emotional occasion, even for the 1,900 hardy souls who had also witnessed September's winning debut game at Real Sociedad.

On paper, Sturm Graz were weaker opposition than Sociedad, which the 3-0 scoreline ultimately reflected as the Austrians were dispatched in style in front of Bournemouth's highest home attendance since 1989.

But Sunday's 2-0 success against fellow EuropaLeague qualifiers Sunderland means Rose finally has a Premier League win under his belt, and a significant monkey off his back.

Although the Black Cats were fortunate to only concede twice, with Bournemouth registering 29 shots and an expected goals (xG) figure of 4.32, it feels churlish to be critical after such a landmark victory.

The Cherries can now enjoy Thursday's visit of Italian giants AC Milan, undoubtedly the marquee fixture of their Europa League group-stage schedule, without undue pressure, and can take confidence to out-of-sorts Manchester United on Sunday, at a ground where they have enjoyed some fine results in recent seasons.

And they can approach both games with smiles on their faces - so, just what the doctor ordered?

You may like

Preview: Bournemouth vs AC Milan - prediction, team news, lineups

sportsmole.co.uk il y a 5 heures

Inter boss Chivu desperate for victory amid Champions League struggles

soccernews.com il y a 6 heures

Preview: Ferencvaros vs Torreense - prediction, team news, lineups

sportsmole.co.uk il y a 4 heures

Preview: Union SG vs Hapoel Be'er Sheva - prediction, team news, lineups

amp.sportsmole.co.uk il y a 4 heures

What is the longest a team has gone without winning a league game at home?

bbc.co.uk il y a 5 heures

Fabregas relishing Como’s ‘dream’ Champions League tie with Man Utd

soccernews.com il y a 12 heures

'I Played 261 Man Utd Games - Boring Coach Will Be a Disaster if He Replaces Carrick'

givemesport.com il y a 21 minutes

Marmoush confident Spurs’ first Premier League win is ‘just the beginning’

soccernews.com il y a 11 heures

Preview: Lincoln Red Imps vs FC Twente - prediction, team news, lineups

sportsmole.co.uk il y a 5 heures

Preview: Olympiacos vs Sparta Prague - prediction, team news, lineups

sportsmole.co.uk il y a 41 minutes