Bournemouth finished 12th in their third Premier League season

Bournemouth finished the 2017/18 Premier League season in 12th place.

Read on for our review of their campaign, complete with the views of Soccer Saturday pundit Paul Merson.

Finishing position: 12th (-3 )

Total points: 44 (-2)

FA Cup: Third round

Carabao Cup: Quarter-finals

Top scorer: Calum Wilson, Josh King (both eight)

Bournemouth avoided the drop to secure a fourth consecutive season in the Premier League, but it is a testament to their extraordinary trajectory under Eddie Howe that there was a hint of frustration about their 12th-placed finish.

The Cherries strengthened their squad with the additions of Asmir Begovic, Nathan Ake and Jermain Defoe in the summer, but consistency was an issue. There was a good run of form between October and November and another between December and February, but there were also difficult periods in which they appeared to be sliding towards the trap door.

Ultimately, Bournemouth avoided that fate comfortably. And while there was no repeat of last season's top-10 finish, it was another commendable campaign overall. Against the odds, Howe's side are gradually becoming part of the furniture in the Premier League.

Bournemouth players celebrate a recent goal against Swansea

Best day of 2017/18

Bournemouth were excellent in their 2-1 win over Arsenal in January but they were even better when they stunned Chelsea with a 3-0 victory at Stamford Bridge two weeks later.

Worst day of 2017/18

The 4-1 loss to Huddersfield in February, when Howe made a public apology to the travelling fans for his side's dismal showing.

PAUL MERSON'S VERDICT

Managerial review

Eddie Howe has done brilliantly. It's unbelievable. They shouldn't be mingling with the big boys.

Player of year

They can be a bit hot and cold but I always enjoy watching Junior Stanislas. He's had some injuries but he's stepped up.

People get a bit carried away sometimes, thinking if a side's been in the league a few years they can do a Burnley, but for a team the size of Bournemouth, they have to stay up first. Paul Merson

2018/19 prospects

They have to just look to stay up again. People get a bit carried away sometimes, thinking if a side's been in the league a few years they can do a Burnley, but for a team the size of Bournemouth, they have to stay up first. I think Jordon Ibe has improved during his time there - he could be a star next season.

Sky Bet relegation odds for 2018/19: 11/2

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