An impossible dream realised: the Vitality Stadium staging European football, where the Europa League is becoming an oasis for Bournemouth. No wins yet in the Premier League, but beating Sturm Graz following up winning away at Real Sociedad should calm the domestic pressures mounting on Marco Rose. A pair of Brazilians secured club history, with Evanilson’s first-half header followed by Rayan’s later drive, a clincher coming just as the Austrian visitors were pushing hard for an equaliser.
Álvaro Rodríguez’s stoppage-time penalty extended the celebrations. Flag day at the Vitality. Elvis Presley’s high baritone and Andy Williams’ tenor on the public address system marked a different type of occasion.
Bournemouth have come a significant distance. Milan visit next week, an occasion to further broaden the smile of Bill Foley, Bournemouth’s financier present in the posh seats. That’s what we should take into the next game.” Missing Eli Junior Kroupi so far this season, and lately Alex Scott, are regrettable problems within a small squad.
Selling Scott for £80m in January, as has been speculated, speaks to the financial balancing act clubs such as Bournemouth must perform to progress. Following the 5-1 loss to Chelsea, Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Sunderland was prioritised in team selection though the second-half introduction of key men, including Rayan, proved decisive. Marcus Tavernier, cutting inside, shanked that wide before a Ben Gannon-Doak cross from the byline saw Rodríguez misjudge the flight.
The summer signing, still raw at 22, finds decent positions only for his touch to betray him. His penalty, following an inadvertent handball from Jon Gorenc Stankovic, was his first goal and should help his confidence. Graz, fourth in this season’s Österreichische Bundesliga, hardly exuded ambition, a defensive trio often morphing into a shell-like five.
Amid such squeezed space, after a corner, Bournemouth had the ball in the net, for what seemed an own goal though it had struck Bafode Diakité’s arm. Tavernier struck the outside of a post, before Graz at last began to advance. The away contingent celebrated a penalty, but Belmin Beganovic was shown a yellow card for simulation.
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