Bournemouth 1-1 Southampton: Three key players

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 03: Charlie Austin of Southampton reacts during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Southampton at Vitality Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 03: Charlie Austin of Southampton reacts during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Southampton at Vitality Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
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BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 03: Charlie Austin of Southampton celebrates after scoring his sides first goal with Sofiane Boufal of Southampton and Ryan Bertrand of Southampton during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Southampton at Vitality Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 03: Charlie Austin of Southampton celebrates after scoring his sides first goal with Sofiane Boufal of Southampton and Ryan Bertrand of Southampton during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Southampton at Vitality Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Charlie Austin

It is not always easy to watch Austin labor around the pitch, but it is easy watching him put the ball in the back of the net.

Nathan Redmond put the ball on a tee for him, on his equalizing goal in the 61st minute. His movement and aerial threat inside the penalty area are beginning to be the difference in a Southampton side struggling for goals.

Having to deal with Nathan Ake breathing down his neck all day made the goal even more impressive. Yes, he could have scored a game winner from a Ryan Bertrand cross, twice. However, it was clear the Bournemouth defender was instructed to physically disrupt his path to the ball. A solid game plan from manager Eddie Howe.

Austin is the in-form striker at the moment, and every goal seems to cement his place in front of Manolo Gabbiadini. Most fans would agree the latter has more talent, but there is no arguing that Charlie has been the difference maker in two consecutive starts.