Dominic Solanke scored and assisted as Bournemouth beat Cardiff 3-0 at Vitality Stadium, pleasing boss Scott Parker in the process.
Dominic Solanke produced an all round display as the Cherries beat Cardiff 3-0 at Vitality Stadium scoring and assisting as the Dorset club retain their spot at the top of the Championship table.
The Bourenmouth striker provided the assist for Ryan Christie's first goal for the Dorset club and an Alex Smithies own goal secured the points on the south coast whilst Cardiff's leandro Bacuna was sent off just before the half time whistle as the Cherries cruised to victory.
Solanke now has 18 goals in 24 Championship appearances this season and Parker was pleased with his striker’s contribution against the Bluebirds, who socred after some wonderfull interplay between the Cherries number nine and Philip Billing.
The Danish midfielder produced a deft back heel pass before Solanke cooly slotted the ball past Smithies from 8 yards taking his tally to 19 in all competitions
When asked about the striker’s performance, Parker said: “The boy has got some laser focus on him, he is driven, you can tell that everyday.”
“Obviously, his goal’s beautiful, a lovely finish, a lovely assist as well so I'm pleased.”
The Cherries boss also believes the number nine has been improving in areas such as his link up play and ability to hold the ball and bring his teammates into play - something the striker did well against Cardiff.
“I think he’s improved to be fair massively. I think if there is one area that Dom needs to improve it is his link up play,” Parker explained to NERVE SPORT.
“We have been working on that with him. In and around contact he has been very good, and I think you are right in saying that.”
Parker added: “He’s a goalscorer, he’s someone who leads the line for us in terms of his work ethic but there is an area there that he can improve and he has been very good with pressure up against him and has been that link for us as well.”
Solanke was substituted as a precautionary measure for Jamal Lowe on 68 after picking up a knock which Parker admitted was "a bit of a worry".
Parker will hope his top goal scorer will be fit to face Peterborough on Monday when the Posh visit Vitality Stadium as the games come thick and fast over the festive period.