AFC Bournemouth now sit 19th in the Premier League with a meagre 20 points in 22 games. But can the Cherries follow in the footsteps of other survivors to retain their place in the Premier League?
The survival of Newcastle and Southampton last season suggests that this feat is certainly possible. They had just 18 and 19 points respectively, with Southampton losing three of their five previous games at this point.
Sunderland, Crystal Palace and Swansea also avoided the drop with Southampton achieving this on two occasions.
Research by Buzz shows that since the Cherries gained promotion from the Championship in 2015, this is their worst league position after 22 games.
In the last 5 years, 4 clubs have changed their managers in order to avoid #relegation.
Will #EddieHowe be next? ?#PremierLeague #AFCBournemouth pic.twitter.com/kFfhHD3WzX
— Buzz News (@buzz_bmth) January 13, 2020
Although AFC Bournemouth are considered as underdogs in the Premier League, is it time for this facade to be dropped?
Last January the Cherries splashed out a combined £31 million on Dominic Solanke (£19m) and Chris Mepham (£12m), making them the second biggest Premier League spenders in the window.
This new culture of big spending was pushed further in the summer where the Cherries’ spent over £45 million as they embarked on their fifth Premier League season.
But how much have these signings benefitted Eddie Howe’s squad? Dominic Solanke has only scored ONCE since his arrival from Liverpool, and Chris Mepham has also disappointed with the defender only making four Premier League appearances this season.
Having spent this much money does Howe have any excuse for his side to be battling relegation?
POLL: Who has been the biggest disappointment for #AFCBournemouth so far this season? Bournemouth fans we want to hear your opinions! #Cherries
— Buzz News (@buzz_bmth) January 13, 2020
Despite obvious criticisms of AFC Bournemouth this season, they have otherwise impressed since their promotion from the Championship in 2015. Eddie Howe’s fast-flowing play has earned him many plaudits, with some tipping him for the England job after leading the Cherries’ to ninth position in their 2016/17 campaign.
But this counter-attacking style has been missing this season. The Cherries’ have failed to score in nine games this season, and only scored once in their last five premier league matches.
However, Bournemouth fans will have hope that they can stay up. Eddie Howe took charge of the club during the famous ‘minus 17′ season where the Cherries’ survived after being deducted 17 points . They will hope Eddie Howe can invoke a similar spirit in the Bournemouth camp this season to keep Premier League football at the Vitality Stadium.
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