Eddie Howe holds admiration for Kevin Keegan, although he might not appreciate being likened to Keegan’s team from the 1990s, famously known as “The Entertainers.” While Keegan’s squad won admiration for their style of play, they fell short on the trophy front, a fact that was somewhat accepted and celebrated due to their captivating brand of football. In contrast, Howe’s team from last season wasn’t particularly liked, and that suited Howe just fine. They were characterized by their relentless and combative approach, emphasizing structure and system over flair. However, their recent identity has shifted towards chaos, punctuated by occasional moments of brilliance, such as Bruno Guimaraes’ heroics at the City Ground, which secured victory.
Howe acknowledges that this style is not sustainable. The team is both scoring and conceding goals at a rate reminiscent of Keegan’s cavalier era, with their defensive record notably worse than last season. Despite their entertaining style of play, even the coaching staff might not fully endorse it. Howe’s visibly ecstatic celebration with the supporters after a recent win marked a departure from his usual restrained demeanor, indicating a sense of relief and emotion at avoiding a potential defeat.
This shift in Howe’s behavior is telling, as last season was characterized by control and consistency, with celebrations reserved for securing Champions League football. However, this season has seen Howe and his team swept up in the unpredictability and disorder of their performances. While spirit, effort, and moments of brilliance are evident, the team’s overall functionality is lacking, much to Howe’s frustration.
With injuries affecting the squad and new signings needed, chaos is likely to persist until the summer transfer window. Howe must navigate the remainder of the season with the current squad, aiming to secure European football once again. Despite their precarious position, they are not far off from last season’s points tally, and with favorable fixtures ahead, there’s still hope for a successful campaign, especially if they can make progress in the FA Cup.
Regardless of the outcome, it promises to be an entertaining journey for fans, albeit one that diverges from Howe’s preferred style. With glaring strengths and weaknesses on display each week, their matches are a spectacle, evident in their league-high tally of 89 goals in 24 games. Howe must embrace this unpredictability, even if it deviates from his ideal vision for the team.