The last two teams to gain promotion to the top-flight for the first time (Reading and Hull) have both opened with a home win.
Advertisement
Simon Francis, Tommy Elphick, Steve Cook and Charlie Daniels – last season’s first-choice back four – were among that group.
Aston Villa denied Bournemouth a winning start to life in the Premier League with a hard-fought victory at Dean Court thanks to Rudy Gestede’s second-half debut goal.
And Jordan’s elder brother Andre Ayew is trending on Twitter and other social media platforms after scoring a brilliant goal for Swansea City in their Premier League opener at the Stamford Bridge. Whether they do remains to be seen and that will depend on the individuals.
“I was very pleased with the display and all we were missing were the goals, and of course we got hit with a sucker punch in the second half with the set play”.
“My message to them is, why not?”
Not one to be overrawed by the big occasion, Sherwood was methodical in his approach to the game, saying “We have to go there at some stage and we’re going down there confident that we can do the job”.
“But it does depend on the individual and there are so many things that contribute towards that – their fitness levels, mental wellbeing and all the little things”. A half-an-hour cameo from the new signing was enough to suggest that much of Villa’s fortunes this season will rest on how effectively Tim Sherwood can integrate the battering ram of a centre-forward into his side.
The introduction of Max Gradel gave Bournemouth a lift, but the Ivorian was unable to find a way through for Eddie Howe’s side as it was handed proof of the stiff task it faces in the top flight. It’s a new start for a lot of players here – possibly even some of the ones that have been here a while. We created chances and got into good areas.
“It’s a neverending process working on your team and making sure your team functions how you want it to”.
Advertisement
Despite the result, Eddie Howe remained positive after the match claiming “it was a great day for club”. “We will look at it, analyse it and try and improve”.
