AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe believes the away defeat to Burnley will act as a learning curve for the Cherries.
The Cherries travelled to Turf Moor on the back of the sensational 4-3 comeback victory over Liverpool at Dean Court last weekend.
Howe’s side were aiming to win back-to-back games for the first time since March, when the Cherries defeated Southampton, Newcastle and Swansea in consecutive games to successfully maintain their Premier League status last season.
But three goals from Jeff Hendrick, Stephen Ward and George Boyd took the points for the home side despite Benik Afobe and Charlie Daniels’ best efforts.
Speaking after the game Howe told Sky Sports…
‘We were excellent away from home last season, we were resolute and went to some tough places, Today was a different test, a physical test, Burnley were very direct, and we did not deal with that very well at stages of the game and that has ultimately cost us…’
‘…When you score right on the brink of half-time, you think that was a really good moment for us. We penned them in for the last 20 minutes of the first half, so the goal was coming.
‘Then the second half, it is the third goal that has killed us, quite a long way out on an angle it was a surprise that it went in. And disappointing from our perspective as it gave us a mountain to climb…’
‘…We had hoped to build momentum and get the consecutive wins we were looking for, but we did not get it today, and it is a learning curve for us.
Your Say…
Neil Dawson wrote…
Last season 1.8 goals per game conceded.
This season 1.7 goals per game conceded.
Long term we have to accept that while we might like them as individuals our collective back four is not PL class. Surely a commanding centre half or two will be order of the day in transfer window.
Short term we need to restore first choice back four and put Ake in the position Chelsea want him to play…central midfield. Persevering with the one paced Gosling at the expense of doing this is sheer madness.
Not sure why Eddie has started this bizarre experimentation but let’s knock it on the head for next two home games please. – Join the conversation here.
It’s easy to join AFCB Vital
Sign up and have your say on the articles, polls and forums, just click the link to register.
