Eddie Howe's programme notes ahead of Nottingham Forest
We demonstrated our strength at home in our last outing here, deservedly beating Arsenal to progress to the Carabao Cup final, and I thought the atmosphere was incredible. We made a fast start and were unlucky not to go ahead when Alex Isak's goal was ruled out for a marginal offside, before Jacob Murphy put us ahead with a composed finish after Alex's shot came back off the post.
After the break we maintained the same levels of energy and intensity and were rewarded when Anthony Gordon doubled our lead on the night to make it 4-0 on aggregate. The players remained disciplined and defended as a unit, managing the remainder of the game well to secure a return to Wembley.
Our attention always has to be on the next game and the next challenge, and our focus was immediately on the FA Cup and a tricky tie away at Birmingham City. Sitting top of League One and on a long unbeaten run, we knew they would approach the tie full of confidence. We faced an uphill battle when we conceded in the opening minute, but the players deserve huge credit for showing their resilience, sticking to the task and finding a way back into the match.
It came through Joe Willock, and five minutes later Callum Wilson put us in front. Birmingham levelled just before half time from long range, but again the players were undeterred. They stuck to the plan and deservedly found a way to win late on with a second goal from Joe.
Last weekend we were back in Premier League action and travelled to Manchester City on what proved to be a difficult day. They are still the best team on the ball in the Premier League in my opinion, and if you let your levels drop in any way, you can be punished.
Although defeat is painful, moments like that can help you in the long run. It's about analysing and learning from your mistakes, using the pain to keep your motivation high and growing for the next games. The challenge is always to respond.
We have an opportunity to do that today, and we will be giving it everything to come away with a positive result. Thank you for your support and enjoy the game.
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