Bournemouth's home fixture versus Sheffield United brought a fresh challenge to Scott Parker's side as they achieved a comeback 2-1 victory.
In order to stay undefeated, Bournemouth were forced to face a fresh challenge versus Sheffield United as they came back to win 2-1 at the Vitality Stadium.
Having yet to concede first in a league fixture before today's antics, the game displayed an unfamiliar aspect of Parker's side that saw them pull through the three points thanks to a winning mentality and resilience.
After a rather passive first half, the game turned into an intense affair as the Blades took the lead in the 56th minute thanks to Morgan Gibbs-White. However, the visitors had very little time to appreciate the lead as Bournemouth turned the game in their favour within eight minutes. A penalty from Dominic Solanke and a first time finish from Phillip Billing ensured the Cherries went into the international break top of the EFL Championship.
The quick-turnaround from Bournemouth was something that they had not had experience of this season. Despite this, it did not seem to be unfamilar territory for the home side as their reaction was as good as any fan or coach can ask.
Not hanging their heads, Bournemouth reacted aggressively with their pressure from the front. Sheffield were not able to match the intensity of the home side following their taking of the lead, as the reaction from Bournemouth was a gear above the standard of the game. Considering this situation was a first, it came unexpectedly that Bournemouth were capable of reacting so ferociously.
It was their biggest test of character yet, and it is fair to say they passed with flying colours.
As imagined, it was a very happy head coach as Parker gave his repsonse to how his side reacted:
"What pleases me most today is that we have experienced going behind for the first time.
"The reaction I see when they did go a goal behind pleased me most. Within eight minutes, before you know it, we are 2-1 up.
"The penalty goes in and I see a group of men wanting to grab the ball and put it back on the centre circle and think right, we can win this game.
"That pleases me most."
As the full time whistle came, it was a ground full of elation with a mix of relief. It was a game that brought reassurance that this is a side with the necessary menality to win. This Bournemouth side is a young and fresh group, with a head coach that has only been there for just over three months. There are many things still to be learned about the group, but today a box was ticked.
Parker stated: "Every game I am learning something different.
"Today was a big learn for me and I knew the day would come where we go behind.
"What's the reaction of my team and how they cope in these situations?
"What's the mentality?
"Have I got a group of players here that believe one goal down isn't the end of us and we can get back in this game?
"We ticked that box today."
The comeback victory puts the Cherries top of the table going into the international break. It is the atittude and quality seen today that has them deservedly unbeaten, and shows another aspect of their vast locker to bring three points.