Bournemouth News: Ryan Christie receives fair rewards

Bournemouth shocked the Premier League at the weekend by finishing Arsenal undefeated start to the season. The substitutions proved decisive and, in particular, the introduction of Ryan Christie made the difference.

After scoring for Scotland during the week and given the positive press he received, Christie was surprisingly named on the Cherries’ bench on Saturday, although his introduction was worth waiting for.

His first goal of the season for Bournemouth powered an impressive 2-0 victory over the Gunners and it was pleasing to know that many neutral fans finally got to see what Cherries fans regularly see from their flying Scotsman.

Still deployed in a wide attacking area for the national team, Christie was predominantly employed as a right winger and remained so until Andoni Iraola got the job at the Vitality Stadium.

Faced with a lack of midfield options, the Bournemouth manager persisted with Ryan in a role we never anticipated – and it more than paid off.

He covers every blade of grass with his aggressive pressing exactly how Iraola wants Bournemouth to play and overall Christie has become one of Bournemouth’s most consistent players for some time now.

He went from being a player that many considered superfluous to being an integral part of the team – undoubtedly a fan favorite. The desire, work rate and energy are undeniable, but adding that bit of quality in the final third will only add to the love he receives from the Cherries faithful.

Not all Scottish Ryans are welcome in Bournemouth, but we rolled out the red carpet for this one.

Find more information from Tom Jordan at Behind the Net, external