It's interesting that you think our passing out of defence was dreadful - Kola completed 52 of 55 passes and Stones 67 of 74.
I actually think we were defensively great. Both centre halves, Sagna and Ferna, and the entire midfield, all did their bit to limit Bournemouth to almost nothing. We're at a stage where at our best we're such a dominant force, that when that drops a little and we allow the opposition onto us it feels like we're playing really badly. To me it felt more or less like we were happy to be a bit deeper and invite pressure closer to our box to have more space to counter attack. Again, on another day we score more than the 2 goals we did score.
The key is the balance. The balance of this set up is perfect. I said in the Silva the thread that the buy in from him and KDB with regards the positional side of their game is key to this working. Was noticeable how deep at times they were and also how much running KDB in particular did just to close players down from a defensive position. It's the kind of classic Barcelona press which we haven't seen enough of IMO this season.
I've only watched it this afternoon, but it was very like watching a team of the past (50's/60's). Once again it was often 2323, with Sagna Yaya and Fernadhino, ahead of Stones and Kolarov, then Silva and KdB with a half of the pitch to control each, then the three up front. Best of all though, its so flexible, and can easily convert into 352, 442, 433 without having to change positions. It was a surprise to see it fit Fernandhino so well on the left, but the options it gives going forward are amazing, not to mention that was probably one of our best defensive performances of the season too. As you say the balance is key, he seems to have found the formula that works with these players.
Willie - 7 (1 outstanding save with his feet)
Sagna - 7
Stones - 8
Kolarov - 8
Fernandhino - 8
Yaya - 7 (the early booking stunted him a bit)
Silva - 9 - outstanding and my MoM
KdB - 8 best he's been in a while
Sane - 7 (attacked well but gave the ball away carelessly too many times for me)
Jesus - not marked
Sterling - 8 great contribution
Aguero -7 started slowly, but improved second half
Otamendi - 6
Nolito - not marked
If this can be kept up through all these games, we will challenge Chelsea, the key word is
IF, its a big ask with CL on top.