The Cherries boss was forced to shuffle his defensive unit as Adam Federici and Nathan Ake deputised for the injured Artur Boruc and suspended Adam Smith.
But the manager was delighted with the duo's performance at the bet365 Stadium and was pleased with his side's character as they ground out a well earned victory.
"We had a good start to the game and created a number of really good openings throughout," he said.
"The goal was great, I didn't think Nathan would reach it but he's got great athletic ability and it was a superb header.
"He didn't put a foot wrong and his overall performance was pleasing, he put a stamp down and it was great to see.
"It was a difficult game and we stood up to a difficult end to the game, we had to deal with an aerial bombardment and Adam [Federici] really helped with that.
"He came in and was superb too, it shows the quality we have. The teams are difficult to pick and the players that came in did themselves no harm, we thoroughly deserved to win today."
It could have been a different game had Callum Wilson been awarded an early penalty, as Ryan Shawcross brought the striker down but referee Roger East was unmoved.
A penalty was given in the second-half for the hosts but Bojan hit the woodwork with his effort.
The manager had his say on the decisions but was above all, pleased that him and his squad could share a passionate celebration with the supporters at the final whistle.
"I'm a big fan of Roger East, I think he's one of the best referees in the Premier League," Howe continued.
"But I was couldn't believe that Callum's penalty wasn't given, I had a really good view. That makes the game difficult and I thought that their penalty wasn't a penalty.
"We had to deal with that today and that makes it even more pleasing. We showed the resilience and mentality you need to win here. You need characters and leaders and to celebrate at the end with the supporters in the away end was brilliant."
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