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Merson claims Bournemouth can take two positives from City loss

Paul Merson - All Stars XI (Reuters)
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Bournemouth have struggled at the start of their Premier League campaign, and currently sit 16th in the table after their loss at Manchester City.

Paul Merson - Walsall ManagerPaul Merson

Speaking on Sky Sports’ programme Gillette Soccer Saturday, Paul Merson claimed that Bournemouth can still take positives from their 4-0 hammering at Manchester City.

The Cherries have managed just one win from their opening five league games, and sit perilously just two spots above the relegation zone.

Merson watched the game at the Etihad, and when asked if there were any positives that Bournemouth could take from the defeat, he told Sky Sports:

Bournemouth's Jack WilshereBournemouth’s Jack Wilshere

“The fact that Jack Wilshere got 60 minutes under his belt, even though he wasn’t great and looked off the pace. And they didn’t let their heads drop. They kept going until the last minute, because if they hadn’t, they could have lost by eight or nine.”

The South Coast outfit now enter a crucial period of their season, with three winnable league games next up.

An away trip to Watford is sandwiched by two home games against Everton and Hull City, and they must be looking two win at least two of those matches in order to give themselves some breathing space from those below them.

Bournemouth manager Eddie HoweBournemouth manager Eddie Howe

Although it is still very early on in the season, it has proved notoriously difficult in the Premier League for teams to excavate themselves from trouble after making a poor start to their campaign.

Eddie Howe seems to be a very tactically astute manager, however, and it would be no surprise if he gets his team back firing as sooner rather than later.

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe looks dejected after the gameBournemouth manager Eddie Howe looks dejected after the game