Man of the match Michael Antonio showed real class after his match winner declaring he had ‘moved on ‘ after all the disappointments of Monday night.
Having been subbed by the manager after giving away a penalty at Stamford Bridge there was strong speculation the two had fallen out in a big way.
But Antonio said: “Yes, I gave away the pen and the manager took me off right away but you can’t let it upset you. You have to move on.”
And on today’s match winner he said: “It was pickings for me. I’m always going to be at that back post so yes it was great to score and get back on the team sheet.”
Skipper Mark Noble was thrilled to get off on the right foot at the new stadium and said: “It’s been a difficult week. We lost Dimi and then Andy Carroll.”
“We travelled to Rumania and back, got home at five in the morning and have had all the injuries to cope with so yes, it was special to get away with a win here.”
A win is a win and that’s 3 points. Bournemouth were pretty poor but there was a marked improvement from Monday. Byram played well – although he may get bored a lot. Mausuku is a class act. Tore improved and Antonio showed what we all knew anyway. I personally thought Valencia did ok, other than the ridiculous time it took him to get if the pitch. Less said about Callieri’s miss the better! Last season we had 3 points after 3 games and bar a miracle at Man City this season will be the same with the advantage of players back street international break..
Valencia has gone from dud to lemon in my eyes,
Kouyate for me was the difference as is normal,
We now have 2 good Full Backs we need Oggy back next to either Burke or Oxford,
Norveld will push Noble which is good for us
Antonio is now a main threat for us so needs to be picked as a right winger if Tore is going to play he needs to start on the left where he can improve
Roll on Europeans
Some good comments there Bubs, but I still think you are being too hard on Enner Valencia.
Anyway, great to have a win, noo?
I also thought that Valencia was OK; made some great runs through the middle of the park, but needs to improve on his finishing. I’m really hoping that he and Sakho have a chance to re-establish their once dangerous striking combo; we certainly need something to keep the goals being scored.
Kouyate and Antonio were really in good touch today. Calleri looked sharp except for his chance to make it 2-0. One extra stand-out striker together with Calleri and Antonio, could make a decent attacking trio. When Payet and Lanzini return, together with a rampaging Kouyate, things may be looking up again. In addition, we can look forward to some important roles for Fletcher and Marcus Browne.