Cherries goal shows why JZ fits perfectly into system

Daniel Davis in BOURNEMOUTH

THE newly-found defensive spine is perhaps the primary factor behind Bournemouth’s strong, resistant form under Gary O’Neil.

But, they are also doing the business at the other end of the pitch.

A solid foundation, from which to build attacks is crucial in the Premier League and, despite the occasional slip back into their old ways, the Cherries look to have finally settled on the perfect balance.

That was demonstrated perfectly in their draw with Newcastle at the weekend.

With frustration sweeping around St James’ Park at the full-time whistle, aside from the travelling section, that is, the visitors were able to sit back and reflect on a job very well done.

For much of the game, they stunted their opponents and deservedly earned a hard-fought point.

This understanding, in fact, was visible during the build-up to their opening goal in their last outing.

The move flowed neatly down the left flank, with five team-mates linking up sharply in its final stages.

Jordan Zemura was ultimately the man responsible for teeing up Philip Billing, but it is also notable that in the seconds before his assist, he was on hand with another cross.

On that occasion, Ryan Christie, who was afforded freedom to drift into the half spaces with the wing-backs keeping the width, rolled a neatly-weighted pass and allowed Zemura to whip in a delivery first time.

It was blocked, though, and the ball fell back to Christie.

Zemura, who moved back out to occupy a prime crossing angle after his initial ball was cut out, took a step towards Cook, and then received the pass with an open body.

Choosing to control on his left, his preferred foot, reduced the amount of time he would need to deliver into the penalty area, a smart choice in a match where every second counted.

From that point, all that was needed was sharp movement from a standing start.

That was provided by Billing, who, until that point, had rarely popped up in advanced positions around the home side’s box.

Whilst the move flowed around him, he stood waiting around 20 yards from goal – and it wasn’t until Zemura glanced up to cross that he made his move. – Dorset Live.