Bournemouth's set-piece weakness proved costly in a 2-1 defeat at Manchester City on Sunday, a loss that leaves them 14th in the Premier League with zero points from one game. The Cherries led for almost an hour at the Etihad Stadium before conceding two late goals, both stemming from defensive lapses on corners.
Marco Rose's side took a shock lead in the 26th minute and looked set to end a miserable record at the ground. They had lost on all ten of their previous Premier League visits to Manchester City, plus an EFL Cup tie. This was the first time they had ever taken the lead there. But the advantage vanished in the 84th minute when Marc Guehi was left unmarked to head in an equaliser from a corner. It was the second time in the match Guehi had been free in the Bournemouth box from a set-piece. City then snatched a winner moments later.
Why are Bournemouth so vulnerable at set-pieces?
The problem is not new. According to a BBC report, some supporters joke that defending corners has been an issue since at least the mid-1990s. The statistics from last season are stark. Bournemouth conceded 18 goals from set-pieces in the Premier League, a figure only exceeded by Liverpool who let in 20. This historical weakness has prompted a specific coaching change under new manager Marco Rose.
Rose, who replaced Andoni Iraola after his move to Liverpool, has recruited a new backroom team. A key appointment is Nicolas Gagnon, who becomes Bournemouth's first ever dedicated set-piece coach. Gagnon previously held the same role for the Canada national team at the World Cup. His arrival follows the departure of Shaun Cooper, the assistant who oversaw set-pieces under Iraola and has now followed him to Anfield.
What does the new set-piece coach need to fix?
Gagnon's work starts immediately. Bournemouth's next match is a home game against Everton on Saturday. The Toffees, currently fourth in the table, pose a familiar physical threat. BBC Radio Solent summariser Joe Partington highlighted the challenge. "The coaching staff may have their work cut out on Saturday against an Everton side who possessed a significant height advantage," Partington said. Last season's meeting demonstrated that aerial dominance clearly.
The defeat at City leaves Bournemouth with a goal difference of minus one, having scored once and conceded twice this campaign. They are already three points behind early leaders Brighton. You can see how the table is shaping up on our standings page. Fixing the set-piece issue is not just about one game; it's essential for accumulating points over a long season.
How does this affect Bournemouth's European campaign?
While domestic concerns are pressing, Bournemouth also have European football to consider this season. The draw for the Europa League league phase takes place on Friday at lunchtime in Monaco. Competing on two fronts will test squad depth and tactical discipline. Leaking goals from dead-ball situations in the Premier League could be even more punishing against continental opponents. The club's schedule is about to get busier, which you can track via our fixtures list.
The immediate focus, however, is purely on the Premier League. The match against Everton represents a quick chance to respond and for Gagnon's methods to be tested. Bournemouth must show they can learn from the Etihad collapse. If they don't, a familiar story of set-piece frailty will continue to undermine their progress and their current league position will remain under pressure.
