The win over Hull turned into a memorable occasion for the Cherries, and every one of Eddie Howe’s side more than played their part.
Bournemouth fans of a certain vintage must have been pinching themselves as their side cruised to victory over Hull on Saturday.
They are a club who have not achieved many 6-1 wins over the years, so to do so in the top flight represents another milestone in the remarkable rise of the Cherries under Eddie Howe.
The hosts were on top from the start and saw their bright opening rewarded after just five minutes when Charlie Daniels converted the rebound from Junior Stanislas’ free-kick. Hull equalised against the run of play when Ryan Mason’s shot deflected past Artur Boruc, but that only served to kick Howe’s side back into action.
A Steve Cook header and Stanislas penalty gave the Cherries a two-goal cushion going into the break, and further goals from Stanislas, Callum Wilson and substitute Dan Gosling sealed a fantastic result for Bournemouth.
Every player contributed to what was a fine team performance; check out the individual ratings below.
Artur Boruc – 7/10
A comfortable afternoon for the Polish goalkeeper, who had very little to do and was helpless for Mason’s first-half equaliser.
Boruc dealt effectively with anything aerial that came into the Bournemouth box and distributed the ball well – he may find himself in for a somewhat busier time against Tottenham next week.
Adam Smith – 7/10
This was a busy performance from the right-back, who was an effective attacking outlet for the hosts throughout and set up the fourth goal for Stanislas.
He was not overly tested defensively but he did what he had to do in that regard – there were whispers linking Smith with an England call-up when Glen Johnson pulled out with injury, and more performances in this mould will not do the 25-year-old’s cause any harm.
Simon Francis – 8/10
On a day when Bournemouth’s attacking players deservedly took the headlines, it would be remiss to overlook an excellent defensive display by their captain.
Francis was composed throughout, breaking up Hull’s sporadic attacks with ease and proving more than useful going forward for his side.
Steve Cook – 7/10
The first half was one of contrasting fortunes for the defender on his 200th Cherries appearance; a dreadful pass followed by his deflection led to Hull’s equaliser, but the 25-year-old showed great character to put his side back in front shortly afterwards with a fine header.
Nearly added a second early in the second half but was denied by David Marshall, and cruised through the rest of the match alongside the excellent Francis.
Charlie Daniels – 9/10
The left-back is full of confidence at the moment, and produced another superb display against the Tigers. His expertly controlled volleyed finish early on was more reminiscent of a striker than a full-back, and he linked up impressively with Jordon Ibe during a rampant first half for the Cherries.
His attacking threat continued into the second half, and Daniels completed an impressive personal display by laying on the sixth goal for Gosling.
Jordon Ibe – 7/10
The winger was the standout performer for the first half an hour, as he was constantly involved and produced several darting runs that left Ahmed Elmohamady trailing in his wake.
Ibe faded as the game went on, and his final product still needs some work; the former Liverpool man still has a tendency to try and take on one man too many on his bursts forward.
Harry Arter – 8/10
A typically busy performance from the Irishman, who harried and hassled in the engine room and dominated proceedings in the middle of the park.
The Irish international used the ball simply and effectively, allowing the talents further forward to flourish. Only a goal was missing from this season’s best performance by the midfielder.
Andrew Surman – 7/10
The former Southampton man did what he has made a habit of doing in the Bournemouth midfield; he kept things simple and was always available for a pass.
This was Surman’s 86th league start in a row, and over that time he has become a consistent top-flight performer – Howe knows exactly what he is going to get from one of his most trusted players.
Jack Wilshere – 7/10
Cherries fans are still yet to see the best of Jack Wilshere, but this was better from the former Arsenal man. He was involved in fits and starts and showed glimpses of his quality during his 78-minute run out.
He still looks slightly off the pace – his passes are not as snappy as when he is at his best and he was occasionally caught napping in possession – but the sharpness will return with time on the pitch, and playing in performances as fluent as this one will only help Wilshere’s game.
Junior Stanislas – 9/10
While Ibe stood out in the first half an hour, Stanislas was quietly impacting the game from the other wing and had a hand in all three first-half goals. Two excellent free-kicks set up the opening two goals – the first rather inadvertently after it came back off the post – while his coolly-converted penalty gave the Cherries a two-goal cushion going into the break.
His fine performance continued into the second period, during which he added his second and Bournemouth’s fourth from close range and provided a constant threat on both flanks.
Callum Wilson – 8/10
At times isolated in the first half, Wilson nonetheless produced a tireless display and was unlucky not to find the net on 24 minutes when his shot came back off the crossbar.
His pace troubled both Harry Maguire and Curtis Davies and he looks to be gaining an understanding with Wilshere, who played just off him. Got his deserved goal with a well-taken header late on.
Substitutes
Josh King – 8/10
The Norway international was involved almost straight away, expertly teeing up Smith to set up Bournemouth’s fourth goal. King himself put the fifth on a plate for Wilson, and the former Blackburn man certainly made his case for a start against Tottenham next week.
Dan Gosling – 7/10
Not heavily involved after replacing Wilshere but produced a fine curling finish to put the icing on the cake for the Cherries.
Benik Afobe – N/A
Replaced Wilson for the final five minutes.
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