MANILA — Neil Etheridge became the first Southeast Asian player to start in a Premier League game, and despite his Cardiff squad losing at Bournemouth, the Azkals keeper made an impression.
Etheridge saved Callum Wilson’s penalty attempt, which was his brightest moment in an otherwise not-so-bright performance by Cardiff, which lost, 0-2, at Bournemouth late Saturday night (Philippine time).
Etheridge chose the right spot as he got a hand on Wilson’s low right kick that kept Bournemouth from pulling away.
Wilson, however, bounced back as he scored the dagger goal in stoppage time of the second half for the final tally. He also assisted in the match’s opening goal, a 24th minute attack by Ryan Fraser.
Bournemouth joined opening day winner Manchester United, which pipped Leicester, 2-1, at the Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester early Saturday (Philippine time).
Meanwhile, Chelsea scored the biggest win in the Saturday games, blanking Huddersfield on the road, 3-0.
In the other games, Tottenham pipped Newcastle, 2-1, Crystal Palace beat Fulham, 2-0, and Wolverhampton settled for a 2-2 draw with Everton in the nightcap that took place early Sunday (Philippine time).