Yesterday's comeback victory versus Stoke was a reflection of how the mentality at Bournemouth is growing. Recent results have shown a growth and development in mental resilience and strength. Right when it is needed most.
All three points were snatched yesterday afternoon as goals in the 83rd and 89th minute from Dominic Solanke and Jamal Lowe erupted the Vitality into jubilation. Against a stubborn and well organised Stoke side, who made it even more difficult after receiving a red for defender Morgan Fox, the players in red and black grabbed the responsibility with two hands and eventually forced the back of the net to ripple.
What we saw from the Cherries was an attitude that Scott Parker has portrayed himself each week. An attitude to remain focused, to remain patient but most importantly an attitude to leave nothing out there on the pitch.
With 15 games to go in a period of just over two months, it has come at the right time for the team to display these characteristics as they hope to secure the automatic promotion spot but also challenge Fulham for the number one position.
Questions were beginning to be asked of the squad and whether they had the necessary mindset to endure the realities of the long battle that is the Championship. Throughout November to the end of January, Parker’s side were only able to record four wins from 13 in the league. After breaking the 60-year record for number of games undefeated to the start of a season, Bournemouth went through a very tough winter period.
This is a very youthful squad with the average age at 24.6. The fourth youngest in the league as per transfermtarkt. So inevitably questions were being asked if the squad had the necessary mental resilience to be a leading Championship side.
Looking back to the 16-game unbeaten streak, even then there were instances where these questions were arising of the squad. A very disappointing afternoon early in August losing a two-goal lead to Blackpool and then a 6-0 battering three days later from newly promoted Premier League side Norwich showed how youthful the squad is.
In a three-game period over 10 days during the winter in which they faced Milwall, Coventry and Fulham, they took only three points after having the lead in each game. Had they not lost their winning positions, which included losing a two-goal lead and a 86th minute equaliser, they would be level on points with Fulham. It is such instances that Bournemouth lacked the necessary experience and mental resilience.
However, 4 wins in a row and a January transfer window later Bournemouth are beginning to answer the questions. Not only did they do it yesterday but the previous victory away to Blackpool also took until the dying embers to win the game.
Prior to that the Cherries were excellent in sealing three points as they held off Birmingham with 10 men. This was very significant as Jefferson Lerma saw red with the result at 2-1 and just under 30 minutes to go. A lot of people may have expected Bournemouth to lose their lead considering past experiences, but they extended it to give them a 3-1 victory. A clear indication that the players are developing mentally.
That is three games on the bounce where Parker’s side have been asked the questions and they have answered in a fashion that every fan will expect to see at this point in a season. It may not be the best footballing performance, as was yesterday, but little more can be asked from them as they got what mattered. They refused to come out of the game not with three points. And as they are displaying, this is not an example of good form. It is an example of an improving group in their mental growth and strength considering the fashion of which the games were won.
It can tend to be smeared by the expectations of Bournemouth that this is only Parker’s first season with what is a youthful squad. As well as developing this squad of young players in their football skills, Parker has as much a responsibility and task to create a group that has the mental conditions to succeed. Clearly this is not easy, but as we have been able to see in the media, Parker is relentless in his own principles and the message never changes.
Speaking in yesterday’s post-match conference after the comeback, Parker stated:
“My belief will never ever wain no matter what.
“I realise through my experiences in football that a football match can change very quickly.
“I stand in front of the group of players on a daily basis since I walked in here talking about character and a constant belief no matter what.”
What we are seeing now is Parker’s influence on the mental side of the game coming to the forefront. He demands 110%. He is getting that right now. After a period of which the players must have felt on cloud nine, they were hit with the realities of Championship football. This was necessary. It knocked them on the head and made them realise you have to fight. As soon as heads go down, the team performance will go down. But the heads are remaining high and focused.
We always want pretty and pleasing to the eye football, but at this point in the season, it is results that matter. With their attitude and mental resilience now on display, it appears they have all of the necessary tools to secure promotion. Dare it be said, but such mental characteristics that are being shown by Bournemouth are important elements in what makes Championship winning sides. Two games in hand and nine points off Fulham, Bournemouth have every chance to push for the title. On paper, Fulham have a tougher run in where they will be liable to dropping points. If Bournemouth can remain in this strong mental state, they can have a real charge for the number one spot.