Five Things: Afc Bournemouth

Brighton & Hove Albion were twice pegged back at the Amex Stadium on Monday afternoon, as they drew 2-2 against AFC Bournemouth, and here are five things we learned from the game.

Colombian magic

Jose Izquierdo was unplayable at times, assisting both Albion goals and unfortunately missing three opportunities to consolidate the lead, which was twice taken away. In the process, he became the first Colombian to assist two goals in a Premier League game since Juan Pablo Angel in 2002. Chris Hughton had praise for not just his attacking endeavor, saying, “He also defends well for the team, what pleased me was his all-round game and as a lad he wants to do well and adapt.”
 
Set-piece planning

Chris Hughton bemoaned the manner in which Albion conceded the first goal, when former Seagull Steve Cook rose highest from a corner to steer his header to the far post. The boss said, “I'm more disappointed with the first goal, it's an area we've tried to work on, the second goal can happen, players attempted to clear the ball, there were a lot of bodies and blocks, but it happens sometimes.”

Howe complimentary

Opposition boss Eddie Howe, who led Bournemouth to the Premier League in 2015 and has steered them to safety on two campaigns since, was complimentary of Albion’s infrastructure. He said, “I think Chris has managed the club very well; they’ve done well in the transfer market. They’re picking up points – that’s not always easy to do in the Premier League. Wherever they go, they’re competitive. I think they’ll be fine.”

Early Knockaert Punch

Albion started quickly and Anthony Knockaert didn't need a second chance to put away the game's first goal. He pounced on a loose ball at the back post after some brilliant work from Izquierdo, slamming the ball home from a tight angle in the fifth minute to send the home fans into raptures. The goal was also the Frenchman's second of the season.

Time after time

As a new year starts, it's time to reflect on past games played after the turn of the year, and where better to start than 18 years ago when Albion scored the first Football League goal of the millennium. Darren Freeman scored in the second minute in a 4-2 victory for the Seagulls over Exeter City at the Withdean Stadium - and now 18 years later, Albion scored the first Premier League goal of 2018 on the way to earning an important point at home.