AFC Bournemouth
Eddie Howe has discussed his satisfaction after Bournemouth’s 3-2 win over Blackburn Rovers at Vitality Stadium.
Goals from Junior Stanislas and Jordon Ibe put the Cherries in front against Blackburn, while Callum Wilson was on hand to score a late winner and ensure progress to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
Following the game, Howe reflected on the following points…
THE PERFORMANCE
“Only we could do to ourselves what we did tonight! We created so many chances and maybe could’ve enjoyed the last part of the game, but we shot ourselves in the foot twice. We made some bad decisions, conceding two goals, and then it’s in the balance. The lottery of the penalty shootout was about to be the outcome of the game and we should never have been in that position.
“I have to credit the players though, because even though we get ourselves in these positions, we can sometimes show the attitude and spirit to get out of them. It was great to see Callum score from Marc’s corner.
“My mood is 90 percent positive because of the amount of chances we created against a good side in the game. We played some good football and defended well and then suddenly we concede two goals. We need to work on that 10 percent.
“We desperately needed a performance and reaction after the Burnley game. I placed great importance on the game and how we prepared for it. I’m delighted to win and delighted with a lot of aspects of the performance. Some players have done their chances no harm.
“It’s frustrating when you’re missing chances but it’s a massive positive to be creating them. When you go back to a lot of games this season – Burnley included – we’ve created a hatful of chances and haven’t always been clinical. The Leicester game apart, when we were ruthless that day, every other game I think we’ve been wasteful in front of goal at times.
“We know, that with the quality of players that we have in the front positions, that if we keep creating those chances it will balance itself out and we’ll win some games.
“We have to get a balance between attacking and defending. Of course, we have a style of play which is to attack and take the game to our opponents. Individually, it’s up to us to make sure we minimise the mistakes and show our strengths even more.”
WILSON'S FORM
“Wilson’s done well with his head this year. I think back to his header against Everton which hit the post and led to Nathan Ake’s goal. He’s got that in his game, I think he’s always been decent in the air and from crosses. He’s a goal threat overall and he’ll be pleased with the goal.
“Any striker would say they need a variety of goals. If you just rely on one type of finish then you’re one-dimensional. He can score headed goals as well as getting in situations by using his pace. It’s a vital part of any striker’s makeup.”
STANISLAS' RETURN
“Junior will be delighted with his goal as well, it caps off what’s been a really impressive comeback from training. It was a great finish, superb goal. It wasn’t an easy ball to hit coming off the floor. It’s typical Junior – he’s excellent and has come back in such a good physical frame and I wasn’t surprised by his performance.”
