Howe encouraged by performance

In what was largely a positive performance, the Cherries took the lead on 49 minutes through a fine strike from Joshua King.

But Everton hit back, with substitute Oumar Niasse twice scoring inside the space of five minutes to seal victory for the hosts.

Here’s what Howe had to say in his post-match interview.

On the performance…

I thought we played very well. We looked strong defensively and I thought we used the ball very well. We were a real threat on the counter-attack. Most elements of our play were strong, but the only criticism I have is that we probably should have put the game to bed by scoring more than the one goal we did. When we were a goal up the game was still very much in the balance and we didn’t defend those situations at that time very well.

On being a goal up…

When you’re only a goal up you always know that it can take just one moment to change things. That’s what has happened today. We had some great moments, some of which didn’t necessarily end up with clear shots at goal. In the second half I thought we looked very good, particularly going forward.

On his feelings after the game…

What shouldn’t be lost today is that it was a very good team performance. It’s difficult to say that, because the overriding emotion is one of disappointment. We’re in a lot better position than we were at last week, but we know we need to pick up some points.

On his side’s attacking play…

We created a lot of chances today. We looked dangerous and on another day we could have scored more than the one goal we did.

On looking ahead…

We don’t need to necessarily pick the players up after a performance like that. I think they all realise how well we have played today, but equally understand that we need more performances like that going forward, but with a different end outcome.