The Bournemouth players wore black armbands as a mark of respect for their teammate Harry Arter who suffered unimaginable grief after he and his partner lost their child at birth this week.
UNITY: #afcb will wear black armbands tonight after Harry Arter & his partner lost their child at birth this week. pic.twitter.com/fNURDmg0nq
— AFC Bournemouth (@afcbournemouth) December 12, 2015
Arter assured the Bournemouth management that he was able to play, and there was nobody better than the Irish international as he bossed the midfield and steered his team to their second big win in as many weeks.
Harry Arter's passing was spot on, and the following stat emerged during the second half:
PASS MAP: Harry Arter has completed 100% of his passes so far. Assured on the ball as usual. #AFCB pic.twitter.com/nzcBVhyzlR
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) December 12, 2015
But it was more than just his pinpoint passing, as Arter frustrated Manchester United by breaking up the play and launching counter attacks which cause Louis Van Gaal's men problems all game.
Those who watched the game heaped praise on Arter following the final whistle, showing their respect for playing in such a difficult time for him and his family, but also for putting in such an impressive performance, which Martin O'Neill will surely be aware of despite his attendance at the Euro 2016 group stage draw in Paris.
Massive respect to Harry Arter for playing in that match after his terrible week #respect
— Guinness red (@gaherne7) December 12, 2015
Fair play to Arter after everything he has been through this week.. Brilliant performance.
— Lewis Pitts (@LewisPitts7) December 12, 2015
My condolences to Harry Arter for the loss of his baby. Life is greater than football but he rose above to give a man of the match display.
— Addy (@Addyylaide) December 12, 2015
Big credit to Arter he had a great game too.
— Cantos (@Twin_Gooner) December 12, 2015
Full respect for Harry Arter for wanting to play this weekend. Totally deserved the win and gave a fantastic performance. Hero.
— Chris Jenkins (@chrsjnkns) December 12, 2015
Harry Arter, take a bow son ??. To put in a performance like that, after the heartbreak he has been through this week, is amazing. #respect
— Michael Day (@mickey_day) December 12, 2015
How did Arter play though, what a man, must take something special to produce that performance during such a difficult time
— C. (@SlumdogMignolet) December 12, 2015
@HarryArter2 respect to you Arter after such a tough week for going out there and playing like you did! Congratulations? #afcb
— Abi Rutter (@AbiElizaRutter) December 12, 2015
Incredible performance from @afcbournemouth. King & Arter outstanding. United abject and dismal. Depay a joke.
— Tom Bushell (@TomBushell92) December 12, 2015
Our thoughts go out to Harry Arter and his partner at this difficult time.
