Benik Afobe played against Arsenal on Sunday for the first time since signing for Bournemouth and admitted that he’s gutted with the 2-0 loss.
Although the striker has had a fantastic start to his Premier League career with the Cherries, netting three in four matches, he couldn’t manage to score against us and he believes this was down to his team paying us too much respect.
“I think the whole team are disappointed that we didn’t win the game, but for me it was a good experience to play against my former team,” the young striker said to the media post-match.
“I think we did well overall. The first half we were a little too quiet, and we gave them a little bit too much respect. The team were pleased with our second half performance, but unfortunately it was too little too late for us.
“They scored two quick goals in the space of 5 minutes, and that’s enough for a team like Arsenal. They are all clever players, and as a team they are extremely hard to break down. It shows you why they are up there at the top of the league competing for the title.”
The win was reasonably comfortable but not easy and I was sure Afobe was going to score. He ran his socks off and earned the applause of the Arsenal fans when he was subbed off in the 77th minute.
I’m sure the striker will do just fine at Bournemouth and continue his good run. The Cherries are currently 15th in the Premier League and don’t look likely to get relegated, which will be a successful season for the newly promoted club.