AFC Bournemouth made a welcome return to winning ways in the Championship yesterday as they defeated Queens Park Rangers at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.

Dominic Solanke netted the only goal of the game in the first-half as he planted a header past R's goalkeeper Seny Dieng.

Solanke was denied on two occasions by Dieng as Bournemouth searched for a second whilst Jaidon Anthony missed a golden opportunity to add to his tally for the season as he fired wide from Jack Stacey's cross.

QPR were reduced to ten men in the closing stages of the game as Andre Dozzell was shown a second yellow card by referee Keith Stroud.

As a result of this triumph, Bournemouth moved above Fulham in the Championship standings and are now four points clear of third-place Blackburn Rovers.

Here, we have decided to take a look at THREE things we clearly learnt about the Cherries after their 1-0 victory over QPR...

Scott Park ought to consider handing Chris Mepham a run in the club's starting eleven

Brought into the side for this fixture after being left on the bench for Bournemouth's clashes with Blackburn Rovers and Middlesbrough, Chris Mepham produced an assured display against QPR.

The defender helped his side keep a clean-sheet by winning five aerial duels and making 11 clearances as he recorded a WhoScored match rating of 7.30.

Having witnessed Mepham deliver the goods for the club yesterday, Bournemouth boss Scott Parker ought to consider handing him an extended run in the starting eleven.

The Cherries need to be more clinical in-front of goal in their upcoming clashes

Soccer Football - Championship - AFC Bournemouth v Queens Park Rangers - Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth, Britain - September 14, 2021 AFC Bournemouth's Jaidon Anthony in action with Queens Park Rangers' Osman Kakay Action Images/Paul Childs

Despite creating a number of good chances to extend their advantage following Solanke's goal, Bournemouth were unable to find the back of the net.

Although the Cherries did prevent QPR from scoring in this fixture, they will need to be more clinical in-front of goal in their upcoming clashes.

By showing a ruthless attacking streak against the likes of Cardiff City, Peterborough United and Luton Town, Bournemouth could potentially extend their advantage at the top of the Championship standings.

 

 

Bournemouth must use this victory as a benchmark for their upcoming away fixtures

Soccer Football - Championship - Derby County v AFC Bournemouth - Pride Park, Derby, Britain - November 21, 2021 Bournemouth manager Scott Parker before the match Molly Darlington/Action Images

After recently suffering defeats to Derby County and Middlesbrough on their travels, Bournemouth got back on track yesterday by producing a solid away performance.

The Cherries should be looking to use this particular display as a platform to build on as they aim to secure a return to the Premier League in 2022.

When you consider that Bournemouth have now won seven away league games this season, it wouldn't be at all surprising if they add to this particular tally when they head to Kenilworth Road to face Luton next month.