AFC Bournemouth's defensive displays have been impressive for a side in the EFL Championship. The work off the ball is as important as when in possession. Analysis and words from Parker on the impressive defensive numbers this far.
It is evidently really difficult to sustain strong defensive records in the EFL Championship. However, AFC Bournemouth have kept eight clean sheets in 14 games. In over 50% of their games so far, they have stopped the opposition from scoring. They have only conceded more then one goal in two of those games. They currently have three clean sheets in a row. The numbers thus far have been very impressive. Parker ball has been a joy to watch with the ball at their feet but analysing the way the team defends is a pleasure above most.
It is easy to pin the impressive defensive displays on to the back five (including Travers), and rightly so. But looking at how the team functions off the ball as a unit shows exactly why the opposition are left frustrated and with little opportunities to threaten the goal. As per WhoScored.com, the Cherries are second best in shots faced per game (8.4), bettered only by West Brom (7.7).
A reason why Bournemouth have faced so little shots is due to the simple fact that the opponents are not able to get near enough to the goal. A clear part of Parker’s philosophy is defending from the front. Parker is adamant to take the ball off the opposition as soon as possible. This form of defence seamlessly changes into attack very quickly. We have seen on countless occasions how goals and chances have come as a result of the defensive work from the front.
The relentless shuttle runs from Dominic Solanke and Jaidon Anthony provide the basis in which the opposition are straight away under pressure. Then the next phase is when the ball meets the midfield. Parker has developed an innate desire within the likes of Jefferson Lerma, Ben Pearson, and Phillip Billing to hunt for the ball. Whenever the ball is put into the midfield, there is suddenly a pack of Bournemouth players all competing for possession.
As expected, this leaves little to no time for the opposition player to pick his head up and be creative with the ball. Adding in the aggression that Parker’s side has developed this season, there is little opponents can do to break the organised and relentless structure of the team.
The introduction of Gary Cahill is of course a notable boost to the defence, with his experience and leadership proving very valuable. However, he himself will be thankful to the persistent running and pressure he sees from the front that allows the backline to keep themselves organised and force the opposition to play a long ball game. With Cahill’s aerial presence and Lloyd Kelly’s covering ability, a long ball game will be preferred.
Speaking on the impressive defensive numbers thus far, Parker expressed: “Yeah I am really pleased and not just the defence.
“The defence need to take special credit, of course they do. They pride themselves on keeping clean sheets and they need to take the credit for that.
“BUT (strong emphasis from Parker), if one of the defenders sat here now, they would be the first to say that in front of them is an attacking unit that ultimately set that off.
“The pressure we can keep on the ball high up on the pitch is full credit to them attacking players. I think as a team and one unit altogether, we have a good mentality, structure, and endeavour about us. With that it has given us the opportunity for the clean sheets.”
It is very clear to see Parker wants to express how his team work as one. They are all understanding how to operate under one style, involving several patterns of play and different phases. Each player knows when to react, when to move, when to pressure. The work off the ball is as important as when in possession, and Parker is showing exactly why.