AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe told the written media at his post-match press conference that Liverpool’s opening goal was a “huge moment in the match.”
Sadio Mane’s header gave the Reds the lead after a good start from Howe’s men at Anfield.
But replays would later show that the Senegalese frontman was offside as James Milner’s delivery was swung into the box.
Boss Howe felt his side have to look at themselves first and didn't blame any decision for the result, but did feel that the opener was the turning point.
He talked to the written media about…
THE OPENING GOAL AND PERFORMANCE
That first goal in a huge moment in the match, we set up to frustrate them and the restrict the space.
That worked well in the opening period, we hung in there but the second phase from a set play – half a yard offside – was a huge turning point.
Personally I haven’t seen it but my coaching staff tell me it’s offside. VAR will help us in those situations, I think that will benefit everybody, it was tight but offside was the right decision. The second goal is self-inflicted from our side as the defending team, but we felt we’d done OK and restricted them in general play.
But the players did well to keep fighting, keep their heads.
THE INJURY LIST
We had Callum Wilson, David Brooks, Charlie Daniels, Nathaniel Clyne and Junior Stanislas are huge players for us.
Since Christmas we can add Lewis Cook and Simon Francis to that list, but there’s no other solution, we have to keep fighting.
My philosophy is look at ourselves first and that includes who we have available.
Up until the first goal we restricted space, we had some good ball around their box and it could have been different.
It’s been difficult for us, personally I think it’s not just a home form and away form, I think it’s just inconsistencies.
We've had inconsistencies and never quite found that way to produce results. We’re looking to put that right, when we're very good we can beat anybody.
