Ahmed Shooble
@AhmedShooble
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“It’s either football or hospital rude boy” | Senior Writer @vsrsus | Formerly @TheAthleticFC | Views mine.
London
Joined February 2012
Even when they’re talking, they’re in formation.
They're surely talking about that pic of Casemiro where he looks overweight 😭
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🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Bill Foley has a verbal agreement in place to buy #AFCB for £120million, with the expectation that the deal will be completed in the coming days. Story below for @TheAthleticUK .
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🚨 Comunicado oficial: After an amazing two and a half years, my time as a club reporter for @TheAthleticFC has come to an end. Covering Bournemouth and Fulham has taught me so much and it’s been a pleasure to chronicle their journeys over the last three seasons. #AFCB #FFC.
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The cat's out the bag! Been sitting on this one for a while. Absolutely delighted to be covering Bournemouth for @TheAthleticUK!. Here's my first piece on Dominic Solanke and his fine start to the season.
We're excited to introduce our new Bournemouth contributor @AhmedShooble 🍒. Check out his first piece for us on Dominic Solanke's #AFCB career being on the rise again.
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@LyesBouzidi10 hitting a pass with the outside of your weaker foot when you could easily get the same trajectory on the instep of your stronger foot is nuts.
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🚨 An update: from now until the end of the season, I'll be filling in for @peterrutzler by covering Fulham. Covering #AFCB has been an amazing experience and I'll look to continue doing so as much as I can. But for now my main focus will be on #FFC.
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🚨 #AFCB have agreed a deal worth ~£20million for Dynamo Kiev centre-back Illya Zabarnyi. The club is keen to bolster their CB options and Zabarnyi is a player who can fit into the team’s current setup — with potential to grow into a world-class talent.
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🚨 #AFCB have agreed a deal to sign Roma left-back Matias Vina on loan. Understand there is a €1m fee with an option to buy at the end of the season. Vina has made just three Serie A appearances this season and is keen for more game time @TheAthleticFC .
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🚨 Understand #AFCB are interested in the possibility of Danjuma returning to the club, per @kristemple. Early stages but would most likely be a six-month loan with a view to extending if all goes well. Other PL sides also interested. w/ @J_Tanswell .
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At 34, most wingers look to simplify their game. They often become less adventurous, drift centrally and take fewer touches to preserve the final years at the top of their game. But not Willian. On Saturday he showed why #FFC are so keen to keep him.
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🚨 Personal news: absolutely delighted to say I’ve joined @versus as their new Senior Writer. Excited is an understatement - can’t wait to get started! My job being a full-time hater is now over.
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Under Foley, #AFCB no longer want to rent the Vitality Stadium. The club are currently considering whether to buy the ground back from Structadene or build a new ground themselves. More detail on that and much more below:.
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Two of United's most expensive players have been treated very differently so I ask the question:. What if Pogba was arrested instead of Maguire?. My first for @stadio.
What if it was Pogba who was arrested?. A new piece from @AhmedShooble, who considers how differently the media might have covered the story had Paul Pogba - not Harry Maguire - been arrested & how wealthy black footballers are often judged in the UK.
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How long until Drake infiltrates football Twitter and makes an Alphonso Davies reference?.
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The lovely guys at @TifoFootball_ invited me on the big board to explain how Bournemouth survived to everyone’s surprise. Big bucket list tick ✅. #AFCB.
Bournemouth were written off as relegation casualties, but Gary O’Neil’s side have since proved everyone wrong. How did they achieve the impossible? @AhmedShooble explains 🍒🗣️
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Babbling on about #AFCB's form under Gary O'Neil and the takeover on Football Focus. Check it out!.
Bournemouth's interim manager Gary O'Neil has been steadily picking up points for the Cherries 🍒. So why hasn't he been offered the job on a full-time basis? . The Athletic's @AhmedShooble explains why. #BBCFootball
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Inside Scott Parker's #AFCB dismissal:. 🍒 Sacking down to constant negative comments, not results.🍒 Fears that Parker's remarks were effecting dressing room.🍒 Club hope to appoint progressive manager in coming weeks. more w/ @J_Tanswell + @peterrutzler.
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There’s something poetic about Solanke putting in a proper striker’s perfomance vs the manager who bought him to be a no.9/no.10 hybrid. He’s evolved into the PL striker we all knew he would be 💐.
"On the spot again" 👏 . TWO goals for Dominic Solanke ✅✅
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🚨 BREAKING: David Brooks has signed a new contract with #AFCB until June 2026. The 25-year-old's previous deal had a year left and the club are pleased to extend his stay at the Vitality Stadium. Fantastic news for a player who has gone through so much in the last 12 months 👏🏾.
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Bill Foley's #AFCB in-tray:. 👔 Hire the right manager.🏟️ Make a decision on the stadium.🏃🏾 Finish the training complex.💸 Invest in the January window.📺 Lessen reliance on PL TV money.👽 Try not to alienate sceptical fans. much more @TheAthleticUK .
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Jack Wilshere to sign for Bournemouth on free transfer. Announcement to be made later today.
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🚨 I understand Newcastle will allow Freddie Woodman to leave on loan for an appropriate offer with #AFCB interested. More below for @TheAthleticUK w/ @ChrisDHWaugh .
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Zemura being embraced by his family, all draped in the colours of the Zimbabwe flag. This is what it's all about man 🥺. #AFCB
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🚨 #AFCB are set to appoint Gary O'Neil as permanent manager on an initial 18-month contract, with the option of a further two and a half years. More below for @TheAthleticFC with @J_Tanswell .
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In an #AFCB season like no other, thought it was only right to give player of the season to the unique Philip Billing. A midfield destroyer, box-crasher, second striker - he has long been Bournemouth’s blank canvas. The man does it all. @TheAthleticFC .
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FT 2-3. Talk about a game of two halves!. #AFCB's switch to a 5-2-3 at HT completely changed the game - giving the team solidity at the back and ingenuity in attack. Solanke off the mark for the season, a collective fighting spirit and three precious points. Lots of positives!.
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Understand all unused food prepared by #AFCB for today's postponed game vs Brighton will be donated to a local charity. Casual matchday staff will also be paid to work when the fixture has been rescheduled.
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#AFCB have developed a trademark goal under Gary O'Neil. Target the channels, flood the box and square the ball for a high-quality shot. Bournemouth might take fewest shots, but each shot has an ∼11% chance of resulting in a goal - 3rd-highest % in PL.
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🚨 BREAKING: Marcos Senesi has signed for #AFCB from Feyenoord. The Argentine centre-back arrives on a four-year deal for a fee of £10.5m with £2.5m in add-ons. Senesi becomes the club's fourth natural CB and is expected to slot into the middle of the back three.
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Aside from another solid defensive display, was struck by how much personality Senesi played with on Saturday. Doing kick-ups in Liverpool's box, surging runs with the ball out from defence, leading the press in the 86th minute - quality performance all round. #AFCB.
Another weekend, another @Dafabet Man of the Match for @senesimarcos 🏆. #ElGladiador is on top form 🔥🔥
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Exclusive @Danjuma interview where we discuss:.😕 His reaction to missing out on the Dutch squad.⁉️ LVG: "we don't have 1v1 wingers at highest level".🍒 His time at #AFCB .🤔 Returning to England?. much more for @TheAthleticFC .
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🚨 #AFCB have agreed a deal worth £20million for Lorient winger Dango Ouattara, per @markmcadamtv . Still quite a bit to get sorted, including the work permit application, but the 20-year-old looks set to become the first signing of the Bill Foley era.
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🚨 Understand Philip Billing will remain at #AFCB after being linked with a move to Valencia. No offer or approach has been made for the 26y/o and club aren't interested in selling. His contract expires in 2024 and club have been in talks over a new deal.
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AFCON is upon us. The tournament doesn't have to justify its existence like it once did. But the disrespect still lingers. I wrote about why AFCON is so special despite Eurocentric flippancy and why the competition shows it doesn't need the rest of the world to thrive.
AFCON is proof Africa doesn't need the rest of the world to thrive. The tournament is often the subject of disrespect from those who prioritise European football – but that doesn't make it less deserving of our attention. Read: (@AhmedShooble)
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It's rare to see a manager, especially Marco Silva, speak so affectionately about one player. The instinct for managers is to cover all your bases so no player gets left out of praise. But whenever Silva's been asked about Kebano, a warm smile slowly takes over his face. #FFC.
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🚨 Per my colleague @CDEccleshare, #AFCB are in talks to sign #THFC defender Japhet Tanganga. Understand talks are in early stages and it is yet to be decided whether the 23y/o would be joining on loan or permanently. Could partner Kelly well in defence.
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Steve Fletcher, Lerma, Moore and Mepham among those who greeted the travelling #AFCB support. Might not be many positives to take, but credit to those who made the trip and cheered the team on throughout 👏
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….who’s gonna tell him?.
Mitrovic thing is worrying. Players threatening to go on strike so they can go to Saudi and earn huge wages. This when it starts to get a bit unstable. As some will just want to chase the money.
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I am absolutely here for @MoTheComedian asking ex-pros "what you telling them?!?" on his Insta story and them not knowing how to respond 😂😂😂.
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Still not over Ouattara's last-gasp winner yesterday. Things haven't gone too well for him of late, but that should restore any lost confidence. I knew he'd be exciting, I just didn't expect him to be so effective in his first season. #AFCB.
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Philip Billing has often been a much maligned target during his time at #AFCB. But for me, he's probably the most accomplished and talented player in the squad - it's time people start treating him like it. @TheAthleticFC.
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Parker gives encouraging David Brooks update: . "He's now with the team, modified in terms of his training, but he's with us. He's no longer on his own. "I'd like to think maybe over the next week or 10 days, we can start pushing him into full training.". #AFCB.
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Pogba has welcomed a "new challenge" away from Old Trafford and United fans are not best pleased. But while many would argue Pogba has flopped at United, I'd argue that the club have in fact flopped him. My latest @touchlinefracas piece:.
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FT 2-1. Well, well, well. All the desire, togetherness and physicality that has come to embody Gary O'Neil's time as interim boss on full display in that comeback. Solanke, Billing, Cook, Senesi and so many others stepped up throughout. O'Neil's unbeaten run now at five games!.
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Explaining #AFCB's sacking of O'Neil and hiring of Iraola:. 🍒 Reasons behind seemingly odd timing.🍒 Why Bournemouth moved for Iraola.🍒 How his style of play suits the squad.🍒 What his appointment could mean for summer business. more on @TheAthleticFC.
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Howe on returning to DC: "It was emotional, I'm not going to hide it. "That was difficult. I thought the Bournemouth supporters were amazing, I can't thank them enough. It was a chance for me to thank them and it was a special moment.". #AFCB.
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He may wear the no.9 shirt for #AFCB but Solanke has an underrated creative streak to his game. Scott Parker played him as a no.10 behind Jamal Lowe on a couple of occasions last season. Nine assists this season. He's turned from predator to provider.
3 - Dominic Solanke has scored and assisted in a Premier League game on three occasions this season; the joint-most of any player in 2022-23, along with Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden. Product.
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🚨 #AFCB have agreed an initial deal worth €23m plus add-ons for Villarreal forward Nicolas Jackson, per @FabrizioRomano . All moving quite quickly and transfer expected to be finalised this week. Another pacey, attacking addition! @TheAthleticFC .
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When Willian moved to Fulham last summer, most people barely batted an eyelid. But he's been one of #FFC's most important players this season, evidenced by Silva's desire to keep him "as a priority". His performance on Saturday showed why. @TheAthleticFC .
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Seeing people go from “SOLANKE?! 🤢” to “Solanke? 🤔” got me feeling like this
Dominic Solanke - 23/24 so far. @DomSolanke
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🚨 BREAKING: Dominic Solanke has signed a new contract with #AFCB which will expire in June 2026. The 24-year-old had two years remaining on his previous deal and Bournemouth are confident other key players will follow suit. Story for @TheAthleticUK:.
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🚨 BREAKING: Adam Smith has extended his contract at #AFCB, signing a one-year extension taking him to June 2024. Smith becomes the fourth Bournemouth player to pen a new deal and has the most Premier League appearances of any player in the squad (144). Mr Reliable 🍒.
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Understand #AFCB negotiated a sell-on clause in Danjuma's sale so stand to eat a slice of that pie should he move on.
🚨 Arnaut Danjuma deal at Villarreal includes €75m release clause. Liverpool among clubs monitoring 24yo but happy at #Villarreal & under Emery so Jan move unlikely. #LFC also looking at centre-mid options - they & #MUFC keen on Tchouameni @TheAthleticUK
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FT 0-1. A massive three points for #AFCB that lifts them a point off the relegation zone. It wasn't the prettiest win, but for a team that have toiled to make their improved performances translate into improved results, this victory has been a long time coming.
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🚨 #AFCB are confident of agreeing a deal to sign Sassuolo midfielder Hamed Traore. The club have been monitoring the 22y/o since November with his versatility a big plus. Matias Vina is also due to fly the UK today to undergo his medical.@TheAthleticFC .
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When a club-record signing leaves for free, it looks weird. But Lerma has given everything to #AFCB, even when his future was uncertain. So fitting that he played more minutes than any other player in the squad and scored his most goals (five) in his final season at the club.
A new challenge awaits our local man 🤝. We can confirm that Jefferson Lerma will leave the Cherries this summer.
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🍒Inside Scott Parker's Premier League promotion with #AFCB:. 💨 Implementing high press.📈 Unbeaten start + overcoming fine margins.💪🏾 Empowering Solanke.❌ Billing asking club to reject all offers for him.🎼 Manager + directors in complete harmony. more.
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🚨 BREAKING: #AFCB have announced the signing of Marcus Tavernier from Middlesbrough. The 23-year-old signs on a five-year-deal for £10 million + add-ons. A versatile player who will be a welcome addition to the squad in a number of areas.
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Marco Silva welcomes back Aleksandar Mitrovic to the #FFC squad this weekend after his eight-game ban. While admitting it's "been tough" for the striker, Silva insists Mitrovic is in a good place with support from everyone at the club. @TheAthleticFC.
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Harsh on Gary O’Neil to miss out on a nomination. I get the focus is on managers who achieved higher finishes in the table. But surely the amount of quality O’Neil has extracted from largely the same squad that was branded “under-equipped” deserves some recognition here?. #AFCB.
BREAKING: The nominees for the Premier League Barclays Manager of the Season award are in! 🥁
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FT 1-0. Finally, the three points #AFCB desperately need and deserve!. Even after those two early chances were squandered, Bournemouth kept turning up the heat and the style to take their first big scalp of the season!. Definitely one of the most complete performances under GON.
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Stat from Opta: Dango Ouattara was the first player to assist a goal in both of his first two home PL apps since Saïd Benrahma in November 2020. With today his 21st birthday, he was also the youngest player to achieve this in the competition’s history. #AFCB.
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🚨 #AFCB are strongly considering making a bid for Bristol City's Antoine Semenyo. He's been on the club's radar since August but injuries to Solanke and Tavernier have now accelerated their interest. There is a feeling a deal could be agreed this week.
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#AFCB’s summer transfer window:.💰 Significant investment expected.💪 Positions to strengthen. 🎯 Plausible targets.👀 An outside name to keep an eye on.👋 More potential outgoings. more @TheAthleticFC .
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Sol Bamba has become a beacon of hope for athletes battling serious illness after recovering from cancer just four months after his diagnosis. His advice to David Brooks?. "Take your time and do what you can when you’re ready.". For @TheAthleticUK . #AFCB.
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Happy 'Wilshere vs Barcelona' day! To find out how he's currently doing at Bournemouth, have a read of my piece for @TheAthleticUK on how he's becoming #AFCB's creative hub:.
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As per Bloomberg, #AFCB owner Maxim Demin has hired advisory firm Montminy & Co. to help sell the club. Understand the club has been on the market as far back as June. Story below @TheAthleticUK:.
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Tried my hand at some data analysis for the first time. Here's what came of it: . Who should Manchester United sign to help Pogba and Fernandes?.
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🚨 #AFCB are interested in appointing Marcelo Bielsa as their new head coach. The former Leeds United boss is on the club's list of potential candidates to become the first head coach under prospective owner Bill Foley. More from @David_Ornstein below.
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That's the end of thread! Thanks for reading if you got this far. This is by no means a comprehensive explainer of #AFCB's woes but I think a lot of the team's problems on the pitch are directly linked. Do you agree? Have I missed anything?. Let me know your thoughts!.
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Tom Cairney is the most prolific substitute in Europe's top five leagues this season with 27 sub apps. But against Leicester, he provided a rare glimpse into what he can do when he starts. Two goals to go with a complete performance. @TheAthleticFC #FFC .
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I've been trying to find a word to describe Manchester United but Neville's use of "daft" does seem to fit.
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Thierry Henry was an exceptional player and could yet prove to be an exceptional manager. But would he be the best fit for Bournemouth's immediate promotion charge? My latest for @TheAthleticUK #AFCB.
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We've already seen football begin to change quite drastically amid the pandemic. But if the richest clubs continue to have their finances tapered, will this allow selling clubs to finally build their dynasties?. My latest for @Copa90:.
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The boy just does not have a weaker foot. Incredible. #AFCB.
BOURNEMOUTH IN THE 5TH MINUTE OF STOPPAGE TIME TAKE THE LEAD OVER TOTTENHAM 🤯. OUATTARA WHAT A MOMENT.
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Stat courtesy of Opta:. Philip Billing is one of just two PL players to have applied 150+ pressures in each of the defensive 1/3 (178), middle 1/3 (315) and attacking 1/3 (157) of the pitch this season, along with Jordan Ayew. He's also #AFCB's top scorer.
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FT 5-3. The score makes it look much closer than it actually was. A very comfortable afternoon for Fulham who were at their attacking best. Cairney two steps ahead, Vinicius cool in front of goal, Willian electric, Palhinha teleporting into tackles. A solid team performance #FFC.
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Sweet Caroline does my head in at the best of times but you see the way I'm singing along???. Yeah, this club has got me. #AFCB.
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#AFCB now in a 6-3-1 formation with Ouattara tucking in as an additional wing-back. Rothwell, Christie and Cook just ahead and Semenyo leading the line. Five minutes added time. Backs to the wall stuff now.
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"Big voice, bigger heart". Speaking to those who knew John 'Nonny' Garard best, his love for #AFCB drew you towards him, but his love for everything else kept you there. Big thanks to all who helped. RIP Nonny, you will be missed. @TheAthleticUK.
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FT 2-2. Probably the right result on the balance of chances but #AFCB will be thinking what if after conceding a needless penalty. Solanke's evolution from being the team's marksman last season to the selfless provider we saw today was perhaps the most interesting takeaway.
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Football's response to support for Palestine has been uncomfortable to watch. I wrote about the inconsistencies, where they come from and why it's so harmful for @vsrsus 👇🏾.
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What Ouattara will bring to #AFCB:. 🪄 Ousmane Dembele-esque two-footedness.💪🏾 Underrated strength for a winger.💨 Frightening pace and unpredictability on + off the ball.🧠 Intelligent presser from the front. much more for @TheAthleticFC .
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Credit to Marco Silva for changing things up today. Could easily have stuck with Vinicius but made the right calls. Dan James used his pace to run the channels, Wilson was the hub of the attack in his first PL start in two months, the switches of play to get Willian 1v1. #FFC.
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FT 2-0. After all the talk of a centre-back shortage, how the team was not ready enough to tackle the Premier League, that was a very comfortable win for #AFCB. Moore, Tavernier, Lerma, Kelly and so many others put in a remarkable shift.
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WHAT IS GOING ON?!. Rothwell's corner is headed in by Senesi, albeit with some questionable marking from Arsenal. O'Neil now giving instructions to Anthony. Just under an hour played and #AFCB are two goals up at the Emirates!.
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🚨 Bill Foley's takeover of #AFCB has been given the green light by the Premier League. The Las Vegas businessman is now officially the club's new owner, ending Maxim Demin's 11-year association with the club. A new era is finally upon us ☺️🍒.
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