Wilson: Bournemouth ready for Premier League challenge

And tomorrow he hopes to be involved as Bournemouth kick-off their inaugural season in the Premier League and welcome Aston Villa to the Vitality Stadium on the south coast.

First-day rating: Seven out of 10 – Plenty of running and effort from Bournemouth, who had three good chances, but they will need to find a cutting edge.

In a hectic spell midway through the first half, Oscar put the hosts ahead in the 23rd minute, Andre Ayew levelled in the 29th and Chelsea’s lead was restored after an own goal by Swansea defender Federico Fernandez. “He can play on the left side of the attack or as a number nine”. To be going into Dean Court in the afternoon to watch our club in the Premier League for the first time ever will be something to remember for the rest of our lives, whatever the result. Six years ago, the club was teetering on the edge of bankruptcy, in £4 million of debt and relegated to League Two. Martinez might have a good relationship with chairman Bill Kenwright, but Evertonians will be calling for his head by late fall if his team doesn’t get off to a better start.

Fellow new recruits Glen Johnson and Shay Given add invaluable Premier League experience.

“The first thing we had to do was dig up our prize-winning pitch to install undersoil heating”.

Whether or not they can earn enough points is another matter, but Howe will keep faith with largely the same group of players who excelled last season.

Mauricio Pochettino has bolstered his defence this summer, with the signings of Kevin Wimmer, Kieran Trippier and Toby Alderweireld, but will they be able to give Spurs the platform to push on for a top four place?

At the other end of the pitch, the Cherries have done well in reinforcing the defensive area.

Distin’s signing may prove to be highly astute. Of course, we can improve.

Another Bournemouth chance came and went when striker Callum Wilson raced clear of Ciaran Clark and shot straight at Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan.

Flores will have done well to see in Christmas at Vicarage Road judging by the hirings and firings at Watford last season, but the Spaniard has a pedigree that includes a Europa League win with Atletico in 2010 and he looks capable of rising to the challenge.

It will not take a genius to realise that Bournemouth will be one of the favourites for relegation this campaign.

Bournemouth manager, Eddie Howe, has resisted the urge to make wholesale changes to the squad which clinched the Championship title past year. Although they’ve lost players they’ve reinvested, their squad is very strong. Howe has reinforced several key areas for the Cherries as he looks to succeed in the top tier.

West Brom: Most would expect West Brom to be ok this season because of the Tony Pulis factor, but the lack of activity could really prove vital for the club. And today would be a handsome day for wearing your XXL replica shirt to Bournemouth’s baptism – except the kit manufacturers have failed to come up with stock for the club shop in time for the big kick-off.

What are your thoughts?

Sergio Romero was in goal after Van Gaal decided that Real Madrid target David de Gea was not in the right frame of mind to play.