Source: PA
Formation change boosts Cherries
Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe has praised his team for adapting to different formations this season following their 1-1 draw with Sheffield Wednesday using a 4-5-1 system despite widespread criticism.
The Cherries have regularly used a 4-4-2 formation this season but reverted to 4-5-1 against the Owls, a move that proved successful in Howe's eyes despite Neil Mellor's late equaliser.
Howe told the Bournemouth Echo: "People go overboard about systems and formations. It's players that win or lose games. We went to win the game and picked a team to try to do that. I wouldn't describe Marc Pugh, Liam Feeney and Josh McQuoid as defensive players.
"We use different systems depending on the opposition, whether we are home or away, and have had good success with them. If you come to places like Hillsborough and are too open, it is going to be difficult. I thought our first-half display answered any criticism.
"We asked the players to play the hardest way. We wanted them to keep the ball and everyone had to be brave. We were technically very good against Wednesday. We're in no rush to change the way we are playing.
"Collectively, it was a very good performance. There were some excellent individual displays, I could go through the whole team. We are improving and, not only are the players finding their feet at this level, but they are excelling and that's really pleasing to see."
