Are Bournemouth in trouble this season?

Bournemouth went down to a last-minute winner against Manchester City on Saturday afternoon, losing 2-1 at the Vitality Stadium after looking destined for a well-earned draw.

The defeat sees them in the relegation zone going into the international break, leaving the manager with a lot to ponder. So are Bournemouth in trouble this season?

Bournemouth have been notorious slow-starters

Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth side are currently 18th in the Premier League without a point to their name after three games. There may be some worry given the Cherries’ slow start to the new season but it’s actually been a common occurrence since their promotion to the top-flight.

Bournemouth’s start to the season since 2014/15 promotion

• 2015/16 (Premier League) 3 games, 1 win, 0 draws, 2 defeats
• 2016/17 (Premier League) 3 games, 0 wins, 1 draw, 2 defeats
• 2017/18 (Premier League) 3 games, 0 wins, 0 draws, 3 defeats

In the three aforementioned seasons, they had conceded five goals after the three games but had always turned things around. Last season, Bournemouth picked up three wins from the five games that followed to end any talk of relegation and struggle, eventually finishing in the top-half of the table come May. But the Cherries can’t rest on their laurels given they’re yet to pick up a point and have a lengthy wait until their next outing.

The Cherries’ Premier League results so far

• 12/8/17 (Premier League) West Bromwich Albion 1-0 Bournemouth

Ahmed Hegazi (31’)

• 19/8/17 (Premier League) Bournemouth 0-2 Watford

Richarlison (73’), Etienne Capoue (86’)

• 26/8/17 (Premier League) Bournemouth 1-2 Manchester City

Charlie Daniels (13’); Gabriel Jesus (21′), Raheem Sterling (90+7′)

Summer spending suggests the best is yet to come

Eddie Howe spent £30m on new recruits in the summer who boast a wealth of Premier League experience. And although they’re yet to set the Vitality Stadium alight, their quality should eventually tell as the season progresses.

Bournemouth – Ins

• Nathan Aké (Chelsea) £20.5m
• Asmir Begovic (Chelsea) £10.3m
• Jermain Defoe (Sunderland) free transfer
• Connor Mahoney (Blackburn Rovers) free transfer

Despite the poor start made by Bournemouth this season, Howe isn’t panicking and is advising others to do the same. He believes the side can improve after the international break and will be using the time to ensure his side gel together and work hard on the training ground. They certainly have experience of starting the campaign slowly and getting better as the manager’s instructions start to become second nature. Howe’s positive nature should rub off on the players in a good way too.

“My message is that I’m proud of them. If we carry on like that, we’ll be fine and pick up a lot of points this season. There’s no need to panic at this stage,” said the Cherries boss to Sky Sports. Bournemouth are 4/9 to stay up in the Premier League this season.

Will they be safe come May?