Nottingham | Sean Dyche's first league game in charge of Forest ended in defeat

Bournemouth 2 - 0 Nottingham Forest

Sean Dyche’s Premier League debut as Nottingham Forest manager ended in disappointment as Bournemouth climbed to second place.

Author | Kieran M

Stadium | Vitality Stadium

Forest, buoyed by their 2-0 win over Porto in the Europa League on Thursday, were some way off the pace at the Vitality Stadium. Their afternoon took a bizarre turn when Marcus Tavernier’s corner flew over Matz Sels and directly into the net.

Dyche’s side were left frustrated by the decision to award the corner, arguing Tavernier’s cross had come off Neco Williams and then rebounded off the Bournemouth winger before going out of play.

There was no controversy surrounding the second goal. Eli Junior Kroupi seized upon a loose ball and drove a crisp, low strike into the bottom corner from 30 yards, sealing his fourth goal in just three appearances for the Cherries.

Although the second half was more closely contested, Bournemouth were largely untroubled and Forest struggled to muster any genuine threat.

Morgan Gibbs-White forced a smart save from Djordje Petrovic late on, but a comeback never truly appeared on the cards.

The result takes Andoni Iraola’s side to within four points of leaders Arsenal, while Forest remain in the relegation zone following their sixth defeat of the league campaign.

Some Forest fans remain upbeat, others are less positive

Tez: This shows that you cannot assemble a good team without a clear plan. We look like a Championship side, not a Premier League team, and will be relegated regardless of spending or managerial changes.

READ MORE | Forest fans discuss Ange replacement

Stephen: It was always going to be difficult after the high of Porto. We were weak on set pieces and lacked intensity, particularly in the first half. There are still 29 games to play and 87 points available. I am confident Dyche will improve our organisation and that the results will follow.

Millie: There was no urgency, even when attacking opportunities arose, and decisions were often poor. Passing was slow and sideways throughout, there were no runners into space, and every 50/50 challe

Bournemouth fans were delighted with the win and performance

Stephen: We fully merit our place in second. The team is vibrant, full of quality and solid across every area of the pitch.

Stuart: It is straightforward. The level of performance has been consistently high. If this group stays intact until the end of the season, coach included, then European football is within reach.

Andy: We are truly living in a parallel universe. We’ve gone from that season in League Two with minus 17 points to second place in the Premier League and chasing European Football. This Iraola team really doesn't know its place. The best time ever to be a Bournemouth fan.