Atsu impresses in his Bournemouth debut

Ghana’s exciting winger Christian Atsu excelled in his debut for English Premier League side Bournemouth as they run out with a comfortable 4-1 victory over Major League Soccer outfit Philadelphia Union on Tuesday night.

Atsu had his effort cleared off the line which could have made his debut for the English side much more memorable.

The youngster, who is on loan from rivals Chelsea, was a second-half substitute as they coasted to the impressive victory on their United States training tour.

Goals from Joshua King, Callum Wilson, Marc Pugh and Tokelo Rantie gave the Premier League new boys a winning start to their pre-season schedule.

Boss Eddie Howe had promised plenty of substitutions and duly delivered on his pledge as no fewer than 24 members of the Cherries squad featured at PPL Park.

Chelsea loanee Atsu was left frustrated after Williams superbly cleared his effort off the line, while Pugh’s heavy touch when well-placed cost him an opportunity.

But it did not seem to detract from the visitors’ rhythm unduly as they dominated proceedings in Pennsylvania.

Union (first half): McCarthy, Williams, White, Marquez, Lee, Pfeffer, Edu, Ayuk, Maidana, Wenger, Sapong.

Union (second half): McCarthy, Williams, White (Gaddis, 61), Vitoria, Lee (Fabinho, 61), Pfeffer, Fred, Ayuk, McLaughlin, Hoppenot, Le Toux.

Cherries (first half): Boruc, Smith, Elphick, Distin, Daniels, Ritchie, Surman, Gosling, Stanislas, King (Cornick, 36), Wilson.

Cherries (second half): Federici, Francis, Cook, Cargill, Mings (Ward, 73), Atsu, MacDonald, O’Kane, Pugh, Kermorgant, Rantie.