Eddie Howe has spoken to the media following the Cherries’ first defeat of the season at Chelsea.

Goals from Pedro and Eden Hazard saw Eddie Howe’s side lose out, with both strikes coming in the final 20 minutes of the game.

Speaking after the match, Howe addressed the following points…

The performance

I thought we did well for long periods of the game. They’re a completely different team this year and they’re going to be a very difficult team to play against.

We tried to nullify their strengths and did have our chances, but it was a cruel way to concede with a deflection from Steve Cook.

Chelsea’s strength

I think they’ll improve as the season goes on. Maurizio Sarri’s team is a really difficult one to play against. We prepared well for the match but they’re an organised side.

We tried to make it difficult for individual players to hurt us and we knew that we’d have limited opportunities to score and play on the counter-attack.

Hazard has individual brilliance and at times you have to accept that, but Chelsea have a number of these players so you have to make sure your team is prepared.

Cherries chances

When the chances come, they can be big and last year we took those chances. The first goal is absolutely crucial; today we didn’t get it and had a challenge to then chase the game.  

We tried not leave them in one-on-one situations, tried to restrict their space and at times I thought we doubled up well. We had the best opportunities in the game and you have to try and take them.  

Our front three did well, they kept asking questions of their defence and kept the ball well between them. We’re pleased with majority of our performance, but ultimately disappointed not to win.