It was a solid performance all around for Bournemouth, who finally earned their first away win of the season with a 1-0 triumph over Stoke City.
With a change in defence combined with the absence of Artur Boruc in goal, it would have been easy for Eddie Howe's side to collapse at the Britannia Stadium. Instead, they held firm and showed a lot of character to emerge victorious with three points.
Positives
Bournemouth proved they have good strength in depth with Nathan Ake and Adam Federici coming into the side the first time this season and performing well. Jack Wilshere is rapidly becoming one of the side's most consistent performers along with Junior Stanislas. With those two in the side, Bournemouth look capable of beating anyone.
Negatives
Just the one goal scored, from a set piece, is a worry. The current lack of potency in front of goal is puzzling and needs to be solved quickly if Bournemouth are to continue pushing up the league table. Simon Francis also gave away a penalty; mistakes such as this are common for the Cherries captain.
Manager rating
10 out of 10 -- With the dilemma of Adam Smith missing in the back four, the easy option would have been to play Brad Smith at right-back. However, Howe's risky decision to completely shuffle the back four with Francis moving out wide paid off, with debutant Ake scoring the only goal.
Player ratings: (1-10, with 10 the best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Adam Federici, 8 -- He was reliable in goal and made a couple decent saves. This was exactly the sort of composed performance you want from a reserve goalkeeper.
DF Charlie Daniels, 7 -- Daniels combined with King and Stanislas brilliantly down the flank, and his forward runs were a reliable offensive outlet throughout the entire game.
DF Nathan Ake, 8 -- His was a great performance in his first Premier League game for the Cherries. His superb bullet header gave his side the three points and has given Howe more of a selection dilemma ahead of next week. The on-loan Chelsea player was caught out of position on occasion, but that is a minor complaint.
DF Steve Cook, 8 -- This game saw a great performance from Cook, and his 41st-minute clearance off the line was typical of his reliable, last-ditch defending.
DF Simon Francis, 6 -- He coped with the switch to right-back well but gave away a penalty. Francis is prone to making silly mistakes, which is a trait that is unlikely to leave his game at this stage in his career.
MF Josh King, 7 -- His electric pace down the wing caused the Stoke defenders constant problems all game. He had a couple shots deflected away and was unlucky to not score.
MF Harry Arter, 8 -- He was a useful combatant in the centre of the park who did more than his fair share of defensive duties. He made a couple vital clearances as well.
MF Dan Gosling, 7 -- This was a solid performance from Gosling, and his very ambitious, long-range effort in the ninth minute is proof that his confidence is sky high after a slow start to the season on the bench.
MF Jack Wilshere, 8 -- With incisive passing throughout, the Arsenal loanee was very unlucky to not have a goal to his name when his last-minute shot deflected off the post.
MF Junior Stanislas, 7 -- He assisted the goal with yet another superb free kick delivery, and the interplay with Wilson up top was decent. Bournemouth are a much better side with Stanislas on the pitch.
FW Callum Wilson, 7 -- He ran the channels well and definitely should have earned his side a penalty after Ryan Shawcross chopped him down. Another game with no goal is slight worry, however.
Substitutes
MF Marc Pugh, N/R -- He came on in the 81st minute for King and did little wrong.
FW Benik Afobe, 5 -- Afobe was subbed on for Wilson and was poor again. Within seconds of being on, he had a chance to score, but a poor first touch combined with losing his footing meant the chance went begging. Afobe is really lacking in confidence.