AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe says his side take “full ownership” of a disappointing evening against Arsenal.
The Gunners had their wealth of attacking talent at their best in spells during the 5-1 win victory, but the manager refused to use that as an excuse for his team’s display.
He spoke to the assembled media in his post-match press conference at the Emirates Stadium and had this to say…
ON THE PERFORMANCE...
Arsenal did have individuals who played well and they were too good for us.
But that mindset takes away ownership of what we delivered with our own team.
They may have played well but our perspective is clear that we can do so much better and are capable of much more than that.
We will not kid ourselves and our analysis has to be that it was not acceptable.
We will reflect on the game honestly, it was a difficult night epitomised by our start to the match and it was uncharacteristic of us to not be good in any aspect of our game.
ON WHETHER HE WILL CHANGE HIS PLAYING STYLE…
No, I don’t see an alternative. We have to be better at delivering what we’re trying to do. We started poorly and you can’t start games in that manner against anyone.
The ownership is fully on us, the style of play is not the issue it’s a combination of different things.
At half-time we were well in the game, created a few chances despite not playing well, so to concede at the beginning of the second-half was hugely disappointing – it made the second-half difficult after that point.
ON THE RECENT AWAY FORM…
It hasn’t been enjoyable at all and I speak on behalf of the players for that. Results have to change, they will at some point but we are giving everything to put things right.
ON LYS MOUSSET’S PERFORMANCE…
He did OK, the team didn’t have a lot of the ball and we were reliant on the counter attack, but he took his goal well. He did have other moments of joy but it was a tough night.
He’ll be judged on goals and those moments and he took it well, they look easy but they never are as easy as they look. But ultimately I can’t shell out too much individual praise on a tough night.
