Eddie Howe has given his post-match reaction following Sunday afternoon’s 2-1 defeat to Arsenal at Vitality Stadium.
The Gunners went ahead in the first half courtesy of a Jefferson Lerma own goal, but Joshua King equalised for AFC Bournemouth on the brink of half-time.
The Cherries continued to look for a second, but it was Arsenal who got the winning goal as Sead Kolasinac crossed for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to score from close range in the second half.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, the Bournemouth manager discussed the following points.
The result
We’re disappointed with it. We felt we were in the game all the way through and were on the wrong end of some decisions. In a game like this, you need every bit of luck you can find. Jefferson Lerma’s shot hit the post, so it’s fine margins between getting something out of the game and getting nothing. The players gave everything to the match but it wasn’t to be.
We started the game brightly and had good moments, but Arsenal came back into it. Their first goal was bizarre but that’s the luck that was against us today. There was nothing Lerma could do about it and he was inches away from being a hero at the end. That’s football for you.
The form
We took Manchester United to the limit and gave everything and came away beaten. It’s important the confidence levels aren’t affected by those defeats. Losing to Newcastle was disappointing as well, but we’ve had a very strong start to the season so it’s important we don’t overreact in these moments. We know we will win again soon. We don’t overreact whether we win or lose.
The forwards
Joshua King did well physically today and added a different dimension to the front line, working well with Callum Wilson. I was very impressed, they were a threat in the opening period. They pinned the centre-backs back and gave them a problem in behind.
The goal was great from my perspective, defending deep and transitioning into a clinical finish at the end of a counter attack, so it’s a shame for them we didn’t get anything from the match.
