AFCB

First Team

Boss delighted to surpass last season's points total

AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe feels that his side proved their winning mentality in the final home game of the season against Burnley.

The Cherries responded to conceding an 84th minute equaliser to scoring the winner two minutes later.

The manager hailed the squad's character in the 2-1 victory which propelled the side to 45 points, a club record tally in the Premier League.

"I'm really pleased with the result and to beat last year's points total," he said.

"It was a great win and we had to show real character. Our second half performance was one of our better ones as we were totally dominant.

"We got into some great situations that we didn't make the most of, but the ability to bounce back is key.

"We found ourselves level despite being well on top but to bounce back from that and to score late on after conceding showed our attitude - a real hallmark of this team."

Joshua King scored the late winner for the Cherries against the Clarets, which was his 16th goal of the season and his 12th of 2017.

Howe reflected on the Norwegian's sensational run of form adding: "He was very good, he was a real handful and at one stage it didn't look as though he would get the goal his performance deserved.

"But it was a great finish and his attitude since day one from when he joined the club has been excellent.

"He had everything and all the potential, it was just about putting everything together. He believes he's going to score as opposed to hoping, his hard work has been first class."