AFC Bournemouth edged past Huddersfield Town in West Yorkshire to strengthen their play-off hopes. 

The Cherries were the better of the two sides for the first hour but failed to really capitalise on the woefulness of Huddersfield Town, who were much improved in the last 30 minutes of the encounter and could’ve perhaps stolen a surprise point. Here are some reflections from Tuesday evenings game.

Both sides lacklustre 

In a game that lacked energy, both sides struggled to find much threat in attack in a game where chances were very much limited, particularly in the first half. 

Huddersfield Town particularly were sub-standard in the opening 45 minutes, failing to create any clear cut chances in the half, before improving towards the end of the game. 

Bournemouth were also below par, failing to really punish Huddersfield for their abysmal first-half showing, which made things nervy for them when the Terriers did improve. 

Billing proves a point

Perhaps the most prominent player in the first half of the game in West Yorkshire, former Huddersfield midfielder Phil Billing made a real impression. 

A player who left Huddersfield Town on bad terms back in 2019, Billing showed Huddersfield what they are missing without him and opened up the scoring with a headed goal in the 15th minute. 

The Dane wasn’t as impressive in the second half but his first-half showing very much proved his point, against a club where he isn’t a popular figure.

Thomas and Aarons lively in the second half

A positive for Huddersfield Town will be the second half performances of wingers Rolando Aarons and Sorba Thomas, who were both lively off the bench for the Terriers.

Huddersfield were much improved in the second half of the encounter, with the duo instrumental in bringing the Terriers back into the game, causing a handful of problems to a tiring Bournemouth defence who struggled to cope with their energetic performances. 

Rolando Aarons could have won a penalty for Huddersfield in stoppage time as well, and may count himself unfortunate not to have earned the Terriers a chance to level the game from 12 yards. Both were impressive on what was another poor night for the hosts. 

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