Bournemouth

It was a baptism of fire for Marco Rose in his opening six games in charge of Bournemouth in the Premier League.

Three points, 13 goals conceded, and European football added pressure to a busy 2026-27 campaign for his Cherries side.

However, unlike Sunderland, who have struggled to find form with a new European task, Rose's side have now managed to bring their winning form from the Europa League into their domestic games.

Bournemouth midfielder Marcus Tavernier told BBC Radio Solent about the "amazing feeling" in the squad after the 2-1 victory against Ipswich Town.

"It's an amazing feeling for this football club," he said. "In a game where it's backs against the wall in the last 15 minutes, at the start of the season, we would have probably ended that game with a draw, but it just shows you how far we've come in a short time in ways we've changed.

"I don't know what we've changed, but we've changed something and we're finding ways to win football games and that's a great feeling."

Bournemouth have won eight consecutive matches in all competitions for the third time in the club's history (also January 1999 and in April 2013), becoming the second Premier League side to do so this season, after Manchester City between August and October (also eight wins).

Tavernier added: "Every point you get in this league is tough to get. We had to fight [agaimst Ipswich]. Every game is different.

"Sometimes you have more possession, and you enjoy the game a bit more, but it was a lot more physical and our backs were against the wall at the end of the game.

"We had to play a different type of game in that sense, but we've found a way to win a football match and that's the main thing."

Listen to more from Tavernier by pressing play above or on BBC Sounds here

We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Ipswich Town and Bournemouth.

Here are some of your comments:

Ipswich fans

Nic: Gifted Bournemouth a goal at the start of each half! I think they could've been there for the taking if we'd kept up the intensity we started with given their European exploits midweek. However, as it was, they didn't really need to get out of second gear!

Kenny: Defensively we are very poor and our goalkeeper recruitment has been woeful both times we have reached the Premier League. Not being able to keep a clean sheet will cost us.

James: I think a sense of perspective is required here. If we compare where Ipswich were on their last stint in the top flight to where they are now, and the contrast in recruitment strategy, they are in a far better place. Yes, mistakes will happen, even to the very best teams. Christian Walton is a top class keeper who never lets the club down, but such is the ruthlessness of the Premier League. Mistakes are often costly.

Robin: We can't keep making these defensive errors. Apart from the goal, Ipswich made a good start.

Mark: Two mistakes, two goals, gave us too big of a mountain to climb. Conceding so early in each half was far from ideal, and we tried to fight back but Bournemouth are a slick and well oiled outfit. No need for any panic, but we will need to improve in our next two games.

Bournemouth fans

Robert: A win is a win and that's what counts at the season end. The defence is tightening up, but in the new year let's buy some heavyweight guys to bring on for the last 20 mins when we are ahead!

Malcolm: Another team performance from all the players. Forcing errors as they did in Prague on Thursday evening. Pressing high and having a solid defence is key to this run and the workrate of the midfielders must not be overlooked. James Hill is my pick for man of the match, an absolute beast.

Tim: What a club! Hill and Antonio Silva superb at the back and Evanilson too hot to handle. Ludicrous penalty decision and unbelievable no VAR intervention.

Paul: A well-managed and fairly comfortable game became less comfortable after the penalty (incorrectly awarded, in my view). However, our ability to see the game out is the big difference between now and earlier in the season for this hard-working team. Eight in a row and counting!

Baz: The European games are starting to show as we were looking tired as the game went on. How on earth was that penalty not overturned? The foul was on Lewis Cook not by him.

Jordan Clark and Joe Partington react to Bournemouth equalling their longest ever winning run, after a 2-1 win against Ipswich on the road.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

Explore all Bournemouth content on BBC Sounds

Timothy Abraham
BBC Sport Journalist

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Evanilson will doubtless find the net in much more aesthetically pleasing fashion than by picking the pocket of Ipswich goalkeeper Christian Walton.

Walton dropped a shoulder in an attempt to outfox Evanilson, but the forward was wise to the ploy, nicked the ball off him and coolly slotted home.

However, the Brazilian's persistence and alertness in closing down - his role was pivotal in Bournemouth's second as well - were duly rewarded in a deserved win at Portman Road.

It ensured he became the first Cherries player to score in five consecutive Premier League games.

Bournemouth boss Marco Rose was pretty pleased with the 27-year-old's hassling and harrying.

"I have spoken about a lot about him the past few weeks," Rose said.

"He always works hard out of possession, he's running between the lines, assistsm and now scores goals.

"I hope he stays hungry because it will be good for us."

Evanilson now has the joint-most goal involvements in the top flight this season (nine - five goals, four assists), level with Erling Haaland (nine goals).

With seven goals in his past eight appearances in all competitions, eclipsing his best tally for a season - 25 for Porto in 2023-24 - looks plausible.

Bournemouth boss Marco Rose, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "I am happy we won this game so we could keep up our run going. We are doing many things the right way as a team. We stick together, have good balance in our game, defend together, suffer, and press well. That is why we have eight wins in a row.

"It's good that we see our effort gets rewarded [with pressing]. I am happy the lads continue going front foot and forward. At 2-1 it got difficult for us but we did it together. These kind of things we missed in the first five games where we played well but gave points away. Right now we do the small stuff in the right direction and I'm proud of the lads."

On Evanilson's form: "I have spoken about a lot about him the past few weeks. He always works hard out of possession, he's running between the lines, assists and now scores goals. I hope he stays hungry because it will be good for us."

Bournemouth captain Adam Smith to Sky Sports: "We have got a special group here and we just have to keep it going. We're not getting carried away. We were angry after that Chelsea result and since then we have kicked on.

"Even when we are not playing well we are winning which is the sign of a good team. It was a tough week but it shows the kind of strength and depth we have. It's a great time to be a Bournemouth fan.

"The manager has added small details, in and out of possession, and we press different. He's a great communicator."

Hear more from Rose on BBC Sounds

Did you know?

• Evanilson became the first Bournemouth player to score in five Premier League appearances in a row.

• Since the start of October, the Cherries have scored more goals in all competitions (22) than any other Premier League side.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Ipswich's performance

What did you make of Bournemouth's display?

Reaction and analysis to follow - and come back on Monday for a selection of your replies.

There are five games in the Premier League on Sunday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Brighton v Brentford - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2

• Crystal Palace v Liverpool - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Ipswich v Bournemouth - live on BBC Sport website and app

• Sunderland v Chelsea - live on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 3

• Manchester United v Aston Villa (16:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times 14:00 GMT unless stated.

Follow all of the action and reaction here

How to follow the Premier League weekend across the BBC

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on your smart speaker. Just say "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play Brighton v Brentford" or "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play the Liverpool match", for example.

New this season: Live match updates

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Simply follow your favourite football teams on the BBC Sport app for updates throughout the 2026-27 season.

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New this season: Match of the Day Predictor

Simply predict the outcome of the six fixtures we've selected from across domestic and European competitions every week.

Players can join at any time, get involved with the latest round and start building a streak.

Read more about it here

You can find the predictor in the navigation bar at the top of this page, or on this link

Bournemouth have turned into one of the Premier League's form teams.

I thought they would run out of steam against Leeds United last week but I was wrong, and they have shown they have got a bit of depth in their squad.

I've been surprised by Ipswich too, and they were unlucky not to beat Hull City last time out. The Tractor Boys have got a bit of spirit about them, which makes me think they will get something from this game.

Bournemouth are a front-foot team under Marco Rose, who is a very attack-minded manager, but Ipswich will have a go too. I can see them getting a point.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist

BBC Sport examines some of the key themes before Sunday's match (14:00 GMT), as Ipswich Town host a Bournemouth side seeking an eighth consecutive victory.

Palacios key to beating Bournemouth's press

Back-to-back draws have left Ipswich with mixed emotions. The Tractor Boys were fortunate to avoid defeat against a wasteful Nottingham Forest two weeks ago, but failed to capitalise on a dominant first half away to Hull City last weekend, paying the price for defensive lapses after the break.

Julio Enciso's spectacular strike did at least salvage a 2-2 draw, meaning the Blues have earned eight Premier League points from losing positions this season, the highest total prior to the latest round of matches.

Paraguay international Enciso has been a shining light since joining from Strasbourg this summer, but Town's other standout performer has been fellow South American Exequiel Palacios, who arrived from Bayer Leverkusen.

The first World Cup winner to represent the club, the 28-year-old Argentine has slotted in as a classy midfield metronome, completing 91.8% of his passes, the joint-highest figure among midfielders to have played at least 500 minutes.

Palacios was able to pull the strings against Hull, completing 106 of his 111 passes, but his confidence and composure on the ball are likely to be tested by a Bournemouth side who will press far more aggressively than the Tigers.

Evanilson flourishing in Cherries' charge

Bournemouth head to Suffolk full of confidence after seven consecutive victories, their longest winning streak for 12 years.

They maintained their flawless European record by beating Sparta Prague on Thursday, making it four wins from four in the Europa League. Although boss Marco Rose made eight changes for that game, key players Tyler Adams, Evanilson and Rayan all scored after coming on as second-half substitutes as the Cherries overturned a half-time deficit.

Top scorer Evanilson has now netted six times in his previous seven league and cup appearances, including in his previous three away games. The 27-year-old Brazilian is in his third season with Bournemouth and is on course for his most productive campaign yet.

He has already had a hand in eight Premier League goals, scoring four and assisting four. Only Manchester City's Erling Haaland had a better record going into this weekend's fixtures.

Millie Sian
BBC Sport journalist

Bournemouth boss Marco Rose has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Ipswich at Portman Road (kick-off 14:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Adam Smith's 45-minute run out in Bournemouth's 3-1 win over Sparta Prague was planned "before the game" and was not due to any injury concern.

• Eli Junior Kroupi "understands" that he needs to "improve his fitness level" before he is able to make a full 90-minute appearance, after sustaining a foot injury which required surgery in pre-season.

• Rose added: "We need to avoid any type of reinjury and take care of him because he is a very important player for the club and the team. We hope to have him ready to start after the international break."

• Alex Scott, who suffered a thigh injury while on England international duty in October, has "started to train with the team" but "isn't 100%" as yet.

• When asked if the international break comes at a good time for his squad, Rose replied: "It helps us. We have some players that need to up their training, other players that need regular training sessions to get back fit, and other players who can afford to have a little rest before returning to training."

• On how the club has balanced the Premier League with the Europa League so far: "I would say so far so good, but we are still in the process of figuring that out because this week we will have to travel for both of our games. It will be demanding so let's see how we adapt."

• A "change in mindset" has seen Bournemouth win seven games in a row in all competitions, after "dropping points" and "not getting what we wanted" in the early stages of the 2026-27 season.

• He added: "We are now defending and attacking together, we are adding that extra 5% to each performance, and we are winning games."

• Bournemouth cannot afford to "switch off" against Gary O'Neil's late scorers this weekend, and he anticipates a "tough challenge" away from home.

• However, Evanilson - who has scored four goals in his past four league appearances - will "smell out" any goalscoring opportunities for the Cherries. The number nine has made a "really good" start, with "maybe 15 or 20 goals" within his reach this season.

• Lastly, he was asked about James Hill and Antonio Silva's centre-back partnership: "It is important to defend in a compact way in the Premier League. We have got better at pressing together and pushing up our last line recently. Silva has adapted to the league really quickly and Hill is one of the best English defenders we have."

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Mark Mitchener
BBC Sport senior journalist

Image source, Getty Images

For many Bournemouth followers, "doing the hard yards" meant following the team in their League Two days, spending every other Saturday heading to cold northern outposts such as Bury or Rochdale, or further still, Carlisle or Hartlepool.

On Thursday evening, hundreds of Cherries fans who had made the journey to Prague and had gathered in the Old Town Square, embarked on the traditional European "fan walk" to the stadium.

Having crossed the river still in good spirits, the steep walk up more than a dozen flights of steps into Letna Park dampened that enthusiasm slightly, with some comparing it to the gargantuan climb up into the gods to reach the away end at Newcastle United's St James' Park.

The "hard yards" were not yet over, as with Sparta Prague's Epet Arena in sight, supporters were held up by police, and then seemingly directed away from the stadium and down residential streets before finally reaching the away fans' section on the far side of the ground, with kick-off fast approaching.

It did not look like it would be Bournemouth's night after Lewis Cook missed a penalty and Sparta took a 1-0 half-time lead to end the Cherries' run of six clean sheets.

Cook is not known for his goalscoring prowess, with a record of four goals in 318 appearances across his 10-year Bournemouth career.

In his defence, the Cherries' two regular penalty-takers, Justin Kluivert and Marcus Tavernier, were on the substitutes' bench at the time, while Cook did have a perfect three-from-three record in penalty shootouts, netting against Norwich in 2022, Wolves in 2025 and Newcastle earlier this year.

Despite having made eight changes for the Sparta game, boss Marco Rose was not to be denied, and was again vindicated in his choice of substitutions as Tyler Adams, Evanilson and Rayan all came off the bench to score in a 3-1 win.

So, those who had done the "hard yards" were rewarded with a seventh successive win in all competitions and a continued 100% record in the Europa League. Although some, understandably, took a more leisurely tram ride back to the city centre.

Explore Bournemouth content on BBC Sounds

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We asked for your views on Bournemouth's Europa League victory at Sparta Prague.

Here are some of your comments:

Simon: Job well done after a poor start and first half. Team starting selection questionable but substitutes made the difference. Unbelievable winning run continues. Great atmosphere in whole stadium. Enjoyable European tour here in Prague.

Tom: Unbelievable! Magic! Stunning! Words fail me - except those three.

Paul: A score that flattered the Cherries, particularly after a poor first half where we gave away possession far too easily. We were helped tremendously by the sending off, and bringing on the big guns as second half subs got us over the line comfortably enough in the end. Hopefully Evanilson and company can get some well-deserved rest before the Ipswich game on Sunday.

Kirsi: Both sides had their blunders, however Bournemouth were the ones who were able to improve on their mistakes and that's what ultimately gave them the three points. Cherries did a good job at using the 11v10 to their advantage and in particular, Evanilson was able to get onto the pitch and make an instant impact that led to two goals. An incredible performance in Prague, let's just hope it carries over against Ipswich!

Yvo: Just too strong, fast and skilful for the Czechs.

Stewart: The magnificent seven, sorry could not resist it.

Clive: A good all round performance with the players showing their superiority in both effort and fitness. We gave the ball away too often but with the extra man we managed to recover the ball almost as easily. Rest well lads and go again Sunday.

Listen to what Ryan Christie had to say below...

Arsenal and Manchester United are tracking Bournemouth midfielder Marcus Tavernier, 27. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Bournemouth manager Marco Rose speaking to TNT Sports: "It's about winning games. To be honest, it was a good team performance.

"We changed eight players, we needed to be ready for this game because they are good opposition. We missed a penalty, struggled in some moments, they scored a nice goal but then to come back away here is a good sign to everyone in the team."

On half-time changes: "Just to be clinical, be good in counter pressing. We said we have to stay composed, increase the speed of the game and I think we did it really well."

On Evanilson's goal and his quick feet: "Have to ask him maybe, it's.a joy to watch him moving and playing. He is such an important player for us. When you know you have this quality on the bench, it makes you composed as a coach. We struggled a little bit in the beginning but in the end it was a good team performance from everyone."

On Bournemouth winning seven games in a row for the first time since 2014: "It's a big achievement and we have to continue, we need to stay alert, sharp. It's up to us to use this momentum. Everyone tries to beat us, if we get in a comfort zone just a little bit we get in trouble."

Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams talking to TNT Sports about what it feels like to win a seventh game in a row: "Like hard work, this team [Sparta Prague] is very organised and has a lot of quality. I don't want to say we weren't ready for the game but they brought a lot of energy.

"When you are playing every three days, it was nice to give guys an opportunity and show the depth of our squad.

"To bring guys on later and bring that energy, showed what we are capable of.

"Obviously good [to score] but the win is the most important thing, I am just glad to have an impact."

On Evanilson's form: "He's on fire right now, you see him work on it in training, he does extra work on his finishing every day after training so for him to do it in a game is no surprise.

"He has so much quality, so whenever he gets in and around the box we are confident that is going to find the back of the net."

On seven-game winning run: "Can't get too comfortable. You have to be able to hold that winning standard, that winning mentality becomes contagious especially when you are playing every three days.

"It doesn't feel that long ago since we lost 5-1 to Chelsea and that stings a little bit, we don't want to feel that ever again. I think we turned a page and we have been a more mature team ever since that; the way that we defend, the way that we take pride in the mentality of making sure we don't give the opposition any opportunity to breathe.

"Everyone is working hard every day in training, guys that aren't playing are working hard, the guys that are playing are working hard so there's a lot of competition but that breathes success. I'm happy with the team's performance."

Hear more from Rose above or on BBC Sounds plus listen to reaction from Ryan Christie

Did you know?

• Bournemouth have won seven consecutive matches in all competitions for the first time since November 2014.

• Evanilson has scored six goals in his last seven games in all competitions for Bournemouth, netting in three consecutive away matches for the Cherries for the first time.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Bournemouth's performance

There are 18 games in both the Europa League and the Conference League - four of them involving Premier League teams - on Thursday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Crystal Palace v Hoffenheim (17:45)

• Sparta Prague v Bournemouth (17:45)

• Sunderland v Dinamo Zagreb

• Getafe v Brighton

Kick-off times 20:00 GMT unless stated. See the full fixture list here.

Follow all of the action and reaction here

New this season: Live match updates

Fans of Premier League clubs can now get real-time scores live on their phone lock screen for every game.

Simply follow your favourite football teams on the BBC Sport app for updates throughout the 2026-27 season.

Find out more here

Image source, BBC Sport

New this season: Match of the Day Predictor

Simply predict the outcome of the six fixtures we've selected from across domestic and European competitions every week.

Players can join at any time, get involved with the latest round and start building a streak.

Read more about it here

You can find the predictor in the navigation bar at the top of this page, or on this link

Image source, Getty Images

Bournemouth defender James Hill says the "clear information" given to the players as part of Marco Rose's training regime means decision-making on the ball is "much easier".

Rose said recently that on his day Hill is "one of the best defenders in England" but hinted he could make improvements with the ball at his feet.

Asked what he had been doing to improve his in-possession play, Hill said: "There's so many different things from last year and this year. It's about maintaining the football as well as being on the front foot defending.

"In this modern era a lot of defenders have to be good with the ball as well. The way the training sessions are adapted and laid out to us as players and the clear information we get given going into matchdays makes it a lot easier for us to make decisions on the ball."

The Cherries are enjoying a dream start to their first ever European campaign, winning three from three so far. Hill, signed from Fleetwood Town for a reported £1m fee in January 2022, is relishing the journey.

"It's been incredible," the 24-year-old added.

"Most important thing is we have to continue being the best version of us going into Thursday.

"But, it's been an incredible journey. I think as a boy growing up you imagine playing in these nights and it's a dream for every player to have the opportunity to play in Europe. It's an incredible journey so far but we just have to continue the hard work."

Rose's side could also equal the club record if they keep a seventh consecutive clean sheet against Sparta Prague on Thursday evening.

"We've been really good defensively so far and also been clinical at the other end of the pitch," said Hill.

"We're defending really well as a full team. There's been a lot of players coming in and out of the team because we've got so many games and every single one of them have been ready for that moment. To have those clean sheets gives us massive confidence going into the games and we have to continue that."

Bournemouth fans have another European night on to look forward to as the Cherries travel to the Czech Republic to face Sparta Prague.

BBC Radio Solent's Bournemouth commentator Jordan Clark met some travelling fans who have been soaking up the atmosphere in Prague.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

Explore all Bournemouth content on BBC Sounds