If there were Bournemouth fans fearing the worst when talisman Antoine Semenyo left the club to join Manchester City earlier this month, this performance from the Cherries is proof that there is still a lot to be optimistic about on the south coast.
In his side’s first Premier League outing since the forward’s £65m transfer to Etihad Stadium, Andoni Iraola handed Amine Adli only his fourth Premier League start since joining from Bayer Leverkusen last August.
The Morocco international was lively throughout the night and was able to earn his side a penalty with his speed and willingness to break into the box during the first half.
On the other flank, the skill and trickery of Eli Junior Kroupi, one of the breakout stars of the Premier League season, although far from his scintillating best, served as another reminded that Bournemouth still possess plenty of quality in attack.
But the sight of goalscorer Tavernier being replaced by veteran full-back Adam Smith in the 71st minute was a sobering reminder that Bournemouth are short on quantity – and are in urgent need of attacking reinforcements before the transfer window closes on 2 February.
Tavernier departed the pitch at the same time as Kroupi and from there, only Brighton looked like scoring.
It was a disappointing way for Bournemouth’s night to end after an impressive performance on the road.
But after Iraola called for more players to be added to his squad this month, he could use this match as evidence to present to the club’s board to back up his point.
