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Howe: I'd like to apologise to the fans for the performance

Written by afcb.co.uk

The manager made 11 changes to the side that faced Manchester City on Saturday and despite initially coming from behind to lead thanks to goals from Lewis Grabban and Dan Gosling, the Cherries were beaten in extra time.


And in an honest post-match assessment Howe told BBC Radio Solent: "I think I have to apologise to the supporters.


"I can't recall saying that in my second time here, but we didn't do the things required for the money it costs and time it takes for our supporters. I'll do everything in my power to put that right.


"The fundamentals weren't there and the technical levels were very low, which is unlike us.


"I'll have to look at the changes, I'm trying to give people an opportunity to stake a claim for a first time spot, ultimately as manager I have to take responsibility.


"I had a few words at half time and at the end of the game, everyone's reputation is at stake.


"It looked like we weren’t right from minute one and got punished."


Dan Gosling did give the Cherries a 2-1 lead, as Simon Makienok opened the scoring before Lewis Grabban's equaliser.


Howe believes Gosling's display was one of the only positives from tonight, but felt a win would have been a let off for the display.


"They're two different sets of players but we're one club," he continued.


"The performances need to echo consistency, week-in-week-out regardless of who they are. 


"A win would have been getting away with it. In the second half we were a lot better but we couldn't hold on and they deserved to win.


"I don't think, Dan Gosling apart, that I will have selection issues. He kept going, led by example. I believe in the players but that didn't show."