AFC Bournemouth
Jack Stephens believes AFC Bournemouth’s victory against Liverpool was also a triumph for the strength of character in Gary O’Neil’s squad.
Phil Billing grabbed the only goal as the Cherries stunned the 19-time English and six-time European champions at Vitality Stadium on Saturday.
The memorable win came just a week after the Cherries had suffered a heart-breaking, last-gasp defeat against leaders Arsenal at Emirates Stadium.
Stephens, on loan from Southampton, has started seven games in the Premier League this season, helping the Cherries keep clean sheets in wins against Wolves, Everton and now Liverpool.
Speaking following the victory against Jurgen Klopp’s team, the defender said: “It just shows how strong we are and how good a group and how good a team we are.
“We played fairly well against Manchester City and were beaten 4-1. We did really well at Arsenal and conceded so late.
“We know how good we are but it’s difficult when you don’t get the results and you feel like it can get on top of you.
“To put in that performance after what happened at Arsenal and to show so much strength towards the end was massive credit to all of us.
“It’s easy to say we’re a strong group and we’re very together as a group of staff and a group of players but, if you don’t get the results, people won’t believe you.
“Everyone outside the club has written us off, everyone has said we’re getting relegated, they’ve been saying it’s a foregone conclusion for months. We know what we’ve got in the dressing room.
“We were disappointed with what happened at Arsenal and it felt heart-breaking. But at this level, or any level, you can’t dwell on results like.
“Liverpool were coming this week and they won 7-0 last week. We had to pick ourselves up quickly, we couldn’t dwell on it.
“Every week is different, every challenge is different. You could win ten in a row and then get beaten the next week. There are no freebies in this league especially and we’re here to prove that.”
Stephens, whose partner Katie gave birth to their first child just before Christmas, admitted the joys of fatherhood had helped him deal with the lows and highs of football.
He said: “When I got home after the Arsenal game, I sat on the driveway for about ten minutes just to prep myself. It’s difficult when you get a result like that, I can’t lie, it does affect you.
“But when you go home to the little man, it does take your mind off it a little bit and it’s nice but it’s still there in your mind.
“I didn’t sleep an awful lot after the Arsenal game, it wasn’t down to him, I was just thinking over the last couple of minutes of the game.
“Being a new dad definitely helps, it helps during week as well, switching off after training.
"It’s a lot easier now to leave it at the training ground or in the car when I get home. It’s nice to switch off and have him to focus on.
"It’s a big change for me but it’s been brilliant.”
