Bournemouth: Premier League 2019-20 revisited – David Brooks aims to inspire Cherries’ rescue mission

As the Premier League returns to our screens we refresh the memory on the season, and the struggle for survival at the Vitality

Eddie Howe brings his Bournemouth side back from the Premier League’s hiatus in a perilous position that threatens to scupper years of excellent work cultivating ‘the Bournemouth way’.

Inconsistency has been rife for the Cherries this season, forming a devastating combination alongside notable injuries to leave Howe and co. scrapping for survival.

Due to coronavirus, Howe has been forced to contemplate his philosophy against the uncomfortable equation facing his side as they return inside the relegation zone on goal difference.

Howe has long-since been deprived of Lloyd Kelly, Arnaut Danjuma and the gifted David Brooks, while he’s also set to recover fit-again Steve Cook and Chris Mepham. Callum Wilson’s ruthless streak deserted him in the middle of the season, leading to a 13-game drought, while Ryan Fraser’s decision to decline a short-term contract extension has deprived Bournemouth of a game-changer on the pitch.

On a positive note Aaron Ramsdale, the youngest starting goalkeeper in the league at just 22, has thrived amid the uncertainty unfolding in front of his area. Now a wildcard for Gareth Southgate’s England squad, he has routinely pulled off a series of spectacular saves, including the match-winning performance to deny Brighton as Bournemouth won under the lights. His heroics have arguably kept the Cherries afloat.

Eddie Howe is leaning on his returning stars to lead the Cherries to survival (Getty)

How Howe sets up in Bournemouth’s return against Crystal Palace, live on the BBC for the first time since 1988, should therefore be telling.

The end of their schedule, which includes Manchester United, Tottenham, Leicester and Manchester City in their final six games, may prove easier than initially envisaged due to their opponents’ varying levels of motivation.

Bournemouth 

2019/20

Next three fixtures: Crystal Palace (H), Wolves (A), Newcastle (H)

Cups: Knocked out in FA Cup fourth round by Arsenal

Player of the season so far: Aaron Ramsdale

But their route to safety appears linked to how quickly they are able to hit the ground running and integrate those previously injured players – particularly Brooks, whose comfort on the ball provides his team-mates with an excellent outlet no matter where the Welsh midfielder is on the pitch.

While Howe’s reputation would be hit considerably if their five-year stay in England’s top tier comes to an end, the flip side is a chance to prove his ability to adapt to the circumstances and show his devotion to playing his way.

The squad appears to have considerable faith in Howe’s methods: Lewis Cook has lauded his manager’s “incredibly hard work ethic”, while Kelly is eager to repay “second to none” Howe following his faith throughout a 12-month injury nightmare.

Therefore it seems probable that transmitting his confidence to his players on the pitch will prove critical to Howe’s hopes of leading Bournemouth to survival. And despite a daunting situation, the 42-year-old’s relaxed nature is a positive sign ahead of the restart.

“We must now make sure the players are fit, ready and able to cope with the demands that come afterwards,” Howe explained. “These nine games are so important to us and we need to get our best players on the pitch. Fingers crossed we will have a stronger squad than when we stopped playing.

“I would like to think by the time we get back to playing, we will be stronger in defence and other areas as well.”