Andoni Iraola had masterminded the Cherries’ best ever result in the Premier League and while it proved the club were on the right track, it also created a summer of uncertainty regarding their key players.
Indeed, Iraola was powerless to stop stars such as Milos Kerkez, Ilya Zabarnyi, Dean Huijsen and Dango Quattara leaving for almost £200million. Add to that the fact that Antoine Semenyo was sold in January to Manchester City for £63 million, it’s incredible to think that Iraola’s men are in a position to challenge for a European place.
Although draws have been Bournemouth’s kryptonite this season – with 15 draws in 32 Premier League matches – only Arsenal and Manchester City have lost more games.
The Cherries have lost just four of their 11 meetings with the current top six (at the time of writing) and caused a shock last weekend by denting Arsenal’s title hopes with an impressive 2-1 victory.
Alex Scott scored the winner in Saturday lunchtime’s kick-off at the Emirates and he was arguably one of the main reasons why Bournemouth remain firmly in contention for Europe.
Alex Scott powered Bournemouth to defeat Arsenal
Arsenal weren’t quite at their best against the Cherries as Iraola’s men took full advantage of the nerves to seal a magnificent victory.
The goal of sealing it was delicious. With the tie well balanced at 1-1, David Brooks passed to Evanilson, who cushioned the ball straight into Scott’s path with a deft touch.
Scott disappeared into the space left by Martin Zubimendi, who failed to match the Englishman in terms of pace, before taking a touch and slotting the winner beyond David Raya.
It’s an aesthetically pleasing goal that you’ll see all season and proved that the Cherries’ young midfielder is more than capable of providing an advantage in the final third.
While his goal sealed all three points, his relentlessness throughout the clash demonstrated why he is one of the best English talents in the game.
Operating in the heart of midfield alongside Ryan Christie, Scott was a defensive titan, preventing Arsenal from achieving much success in the final third.
With 13 defensive contributions, Scott led the way. He made three blocks and a tackle, and, more importantly, recorded eight recoveries during the match.
“He played for us as number 10, number eight; today as number six and he added a lot of defensive work and a lot of duel wins to his ability with the ball,” exclaimed Iraola after the victory.
“We know, if we give him good options on the ball, space to carry the ball, arrivals, he will give us that.
“I am very happy because he is becoming a very, very complete player.”
The Spaniard has announced he will leave Bournemouth at the end of the season, but he is clearly counting on Scott to help him push the south coast towards Europe for the first time in their history.
With three goals and an assist, the Guernsey-born starlet is not known for his proficiency in front of goal, despite his goal against Arsenal, but that shouldn’t stop him from seeing how impressive he has been at the heart of Bournemouth’s midfield this season.
Compared to his Premier League peers since the start of the season, Scott’s statistics across a range of metrics demonstrate his effectiveness.
Indeed, the 22-year-old ranks in the top 7% for defensive contributions (322), as well as the top 10% for interceptions (32), recoveries (157) and duels won (158) this campaign.
He has played a part in all 32 league matches for the Cherries so far this season and with just three bookings to his name, Scott has exuded a maturity well beyond his years.
Although leading his team to the heights of European competition is Scott’s priority, a chance to secure a place in England’s World Cup squad remains a tempting incentive over the coming weeks.
The former Bristol City player is doing everything he can to fly to the tournament according to Iraola.
“He plays so well, but I understand that in this country there are so many good players and sometimes, to be at your best, it is not enough because there is someone who also plays very well,” said the Spaniard.
“I guess every time Thomas has to be called up it’s very difficult because there are so many good options, but I’m sure he will continue on the same path and finish the season strong.”
Scott received his first international call-up for matches against Serbia and Albania last November, but failed to take the field.
Despite his excellent performances in the Premier League, Tuchel surprisingly left him out of the 35-man squad for the friendlies against Japan and Uruguay last month.
He faces stiff competition, with Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and James Garner all vying for a place in midfield this summer.
By finishing the season strong, Scott can give himself the best possible chance of getting a seat on the plane.
Could he become only the second Channel Islands-born player to play for England at a World Cup after Graeme le Saux?
The next few weeks could prove to be the most important of his career, there is no doubt about it.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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