Eddie Howe hails 'historic' night for Bournemouth with victory at neighbours Southampton
Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe hailed an ‘historic’ night for his side as they completed their first ever victory at local rivals Southampton, winning 3-1.
Nathan Ake and Harry Wilson gave the Cherries a 2-0 lead before the break and Callum Wilson rounded off the victory in the 95th minute, after James Ward-Prowse’s penalty had made it a nervy finish.
Bournemouth only played their near neighbours twice between 1960 and 2010 and have never won in Southampton in 15 previous attempts, leading to scenes of great celebration from fans and players at the final whistle.
“It was an historic game for us tonight,” Howe admiited. “I don't think we were at our very best and we were loose at times, but what we did show was real heart, fight, determination and desire.
"We defended heroically at times, our goalkeeper played very well. It wasn't the perfect performance but we're delighted with the win.”
On Wilson’s late goal, he added: "It was a nice moment. We rarely get those moments in football where you get that pure emotion and joy for a few seconds. Then you start thinking about next week!
“You want the players brought down to earth because you want the focus on consistent success.”
Howe was particularly pleased with the resilience his side showed, after seeing a goal disallowed for VAR and a penalty shout not given, despite replays suggesting it should have been overturned.
“In the first half we were okay. We didn't hit the heights we are capable of. We were scrappy and didn't keep the ball as well as I wanted but we had spirit and sometimes that's the most important thing.
“At 2-1 and the manner we conceded as well, followed by the VAT psychological blow, you can start to feel sorry for yourself, but we didn't. Although we conceded chances, I feel that was down to the general performance which wasn't what we wanted it to be.
“Some of our attacking play was really good, but we could'e been punished on another day. In part that's down to how we pay, so you have to take the rough with the smooth.”
Bournemouth are now third in the league and Howe feels they “no longer have an inferiority complex as I feel we had when we first arrived in the league.”
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