On Wednesday night, Bournemouth claimed a memorable 4-3 home win after trailing 3-0 at the break. That’s twice before in Premier League history
Many a Bournemouth fan will have thought about turning the TV off at the break on Wednesday night. The Cherries were deservedly 3-0 down after 45 minutes in their home game against promoted Luton Town. Coach Andoni Iraola’s team were particularly defensively deficient.
However, the Basque coach gave his team such a boost in the dressing room that they went on to record a 4:3 comeback victory that they had not thought possible. This must have particularly annoyed those who had already switched off at the break. Because suddenly there was a big party at the Vitality Stadium after all. Because of a historic victory – even a unique one?
The simple answer: No. Twice before in Premier League history, a team had turned a 3-0 deficit at the break into a victory
Too early party at White Hart Lane
The premiere was reserved for Manchester United, who were the reigning English champions when they supposedly went down to defeat at White Hart Lane on September 29, 2001.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s team were well behind after the first half, with goals from Dean Richards and Les Ferdinand followed by another from 72-time German international Christian Ziege in the 45th minute. The party in North London had begun – but too early. After the break, five different scorers for the Red Devils gave the visitors a 5:3 victory they had never thought possible: Andy Cole, Laurent Blanc, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Juan Sebastian Veron and David Beckham made the weak first half a thing of the past.
The Molineux is upside down
In October 2003, it was Wolverhampton Wanderers who took the whistles and a 3-0 defeat to the dressing room in their basement clash with Leicester City. But the Molineux was to experience a memorable second half: Colin Cameron’s brace, Alex Rae and Henri Camara actually turned the tables. Les Ferdinand’s brace – who had already scored for the losing team in 2001 – and Riccardo Scimeca’s goal were worthless.
In the end, Manchester United “only” finished third, Wolverhampton were relegated at the bottom of the table – level on points with Leicester and Leeds (all 33). And where do Bournemouth end up in the final standings of this Premier League season?
