Bournemouth, improving since earning promotion to the English Premier League in 2022, plays Wednesday in Carson
AFC Bournemouth returned to the English Premier League for the 2022-23 season and recorded 39 points, finishing in 15th place and staying out of the bottom three spots in the 20-team league to avoid relegation.
Last season, the Cherries increased their total to 48 points, their highest ever in the Premier League, and finished #12th, their best since the 2017-18 season.
“The group had a great year last year, achieved some great things and we’re looking to push on and try to keep improving as a group and players,” forward Jaidon Anthony said.
For the first time since 2016, Bournemouth has started their season in the U.S., this time settling at Dignity Health Sports Park. The upcoming season, which begins Aug. 17 against Nottingham Forest, will be Bournemouth’s third consecutive in the Premier League.
“We’re enjoying it,” Anthony said. “Working hard, we still have a few more games to go, looking forward to them and trying to get the work in. This is all about getting us ready for a big season. Our aim is to keep improving, trying to better what we’ve done. You’re never satisfied as a footballer, you always want more and that’s what we aim for.”
Bournemouth kicked off its U.S. tour with a 1-1 draw against Wrexham AFC on Saturday at Harder Stadium on the campus of UC Santa Barbara. The work continues Wednesday in Carson against Premier League foe Arsenal (7:30 p.m, ESPN+).
Anthony spent the majority of last season on loan with Leeds United in the Championship. He initially joined Bournemouth in 2016“It (the journey) was amazing, lot of ups and downs as you can imagine,” he said. “My fair share of injuries as well, but I had some special moments for sure and I love it here. It’s tough at times, people don’t see the hard parts, but we put in a lot of work and we get to enjoy the biggest stage, it’s everyone’s dream to play at the highest level.”
