Ipswich Town were the only side left of the 92 English league sides yet to win in a game in 2025 before Wednesday night's game, but found their bad luck disappearing on the south coast against Bournemouth.
The visitors only managed two shots on target and took both of them to earn a 2-1 away victory over the Cherries, in what was an organised display for **Kieran McKenna**’s side.
Bournemouth managed to claw one back through Brazilian striker Evanilson on 67 minutes and pushed hard for an equaliser that never came.
The result means it is four consecutive home defeats for the Cherries, as it seems the club may have finally hit a poor run of form after going 13 games unbeaten only a few months ago.
On a disappointing evening for Cherries fans, here are four things VAVEL learned from the defeat.
Bournemouth struggle against bottom sides
Losing against the bottom sides is nothing new for Bournemouth or their fans, with the team having already lost to the likes of Leicester City and Wolves this season.
And even going back to last season, a 2-2 home draw to Sheffield United and away defeat to Luton Town, two sides who were ultimately relegated, were small taints on an overall productive season.
Nevertheless, what is clear to fans is that Bournemouth under Andoni Iraola find it hard against 'bottom' sides; in particular, sides who set up defensively.
Wednesday's defeat saw the Cherries struggle to generate momentum and chances throughout the 90 minutes.
The hosts started quickly with intent in the first 20 minutes, as a few chances were scruffily dealt with by **Ipswich**’s defence, including an Alex Scott effort cleared off the line.
But as the game went on, it was clear what was going to happen.
On the wings, star winger Antoine Semenyo and Dango Ouattara found themselves up against two, if not three, Ipswich players every time, meaning there was no way to cut crosses back across the box, forcing the wide players to look backwards.
In the middle, Ipswich were robust and quick to close down **Bournemouth**’s central players, with Liam Delap dropping to help his midfield teammates out too.
Cries of “shoot” often echoed around the Vitality Stadium throughout the match, as the fans watched their side struggle to find gaps and break down their stubborn opponents.
This ultimately led to the Cherries reluctantly hoofing long balls up to the forward players or crossing the ball into the box, hoping to find a Bournemouth head.
But even these routes were dealt with by Ipswich comfortably.
And this is the problem for the Cherries, because when playing against similar sides, they cannot find ways through.
It is no secret that Bournemouth do best against teams that attack and come at them, hoping to turn fast games into chaos, which they benefit from.
But for Bournemouth to truly reach new heights, they must find a way through teams like Ipswich and Leicester no matter how scruffy the win is.
Evanilson finds the net again
Perhaps **Bournemouth**’s man of the match, Evanilson, was the only player to find the net, which makes it four goals in six games since his return from injury against Brighton.
Many fans called out the energy levels and intensity of the performance but this should not be applied to Evanilson, who kept at it despite the lack of service.
The Brazilian was his usual self: full of running, whether that was in the press or trying to latch onto the few balls he was given to chase.
And the consolation goal was full credit to his ability to read the game and anticipate opportunities to score.
Even though he or his teammates could not find an equaliser, Evanilson was a shining light in a dull defeat.
But this was no fluke for the Brazilian, who has found a nice bit of form since coming back from injury.
Also bagging goals against Brentford, Manchester City and Wolves, it seems Bournemouth have a reliable striker up front, who, when he receives the service, is able to convert chances.
Despite many Bournemouth players’ form dropping off over the last month, Evanilson is one player still putting a smile on Cherries fans' faces.
Cherries confidence low
The midweek defeat only reinforced what has become increasingly evident, that Bournemouth’s confidence has taken a hit, and it showed in a performance lacking its usual spark.
Sloppy passing, overhit crosses, and hesitant decision-making painted the picture of a side far removed from the free-flowing, fearless outfit that dismantled Newcastle and Nottingham Forest at the start of the year.
At times, it seemed as though players were afraid to take risks, prioritising safe possession over the bold, attacking play that has defined their best performances this season.
Even the usually dynamic duo of Antoine Semenyo and Milos Kerkez struggled to find their rhythm, with their link-up play being disjointed and ineffective.
**Iraola**’s side thrives on energy, intensity, and quick transitions, but right now, they look like a team second-guessing themselves rather than imposing their game on the opposition.
With just eight games left and European football still within reach, the Cherries need to rediscover their rhythm—and fast.
A response is needed this weekend against West Ham, or their season’s ambitions could start seriously slipping away.
Silly goals conceded
For much of the season, Bournemouth’s defensive record has been one of the best in the league, but recent performances have cast doubt over their solidity at the back.
Against Ipswich, those concerns re-emerged in a frustrating fashion.
Two avoidable goals, both stemming from cheaply conceded possession, gifted the visitors all three points and their first win of 2025.
Missed tackles, lapses in concentration, and general confusion played their part too, leaving Kepa Arrizabalaga helpless to prevent Ipswich profiting from Bournemouth’s mistakes.
What makes these errors even more frustrating is that they were not isolated incidents.
Defensive mishaps have been creeping in over the last few weeks, with costly goals conceded against Brentford, Manchester City, Tottenham, and Wolves highlighting a concerning lack of focus.
Illia Zabarnyi, Milos Kerkez, and Dean Huijsen, often amongst the Cherries' most reliable performers, had a night to forget, with the backline looking like a group of strangers rather than a well-drilled unit.
For Bournemouth fans, this season has been special, with European football and a little cup run keeping the excitement.
But if defensive frailties are not addressed quickly, there is a real risk that what has been a brilliant campaign could fizzle out disappointingly.