Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe found positives in his side's performance despite the 1-0 defeat by Liverpool at Anfield.
The Cherries were knocked out of the Capital One Cup at the fourth-round stage by Nathaniel Clyne's 17th-minute winner, but created several opportunities in both halves.
And Howe, who had seen his side conceded 10 goals in their last two Premier League teams, took encouragement from the display as they made seven changes from the side that lost 5-1 to Tottenham on Sunday.
He told Sky Sports: "We created some good chances first half. We were very good at times in both halves. In the first half though we had that cutting edge and their goalkeeper made some good saves.
"Some of our passing and build-up play was good, and the only thing missing was the goal. The positive is the goal didn't affect us and we grew into the game.
"We're never happy because we've been beaten, and we don't want to get used to losing, but certainly reflecting on the last two or three games, this was a positive step."
Howe feels his side could have had a penalty just after half-time when Shaun MacDonald had his shirt tugged by Cameron Brannagan, and was disappointed the decision went against his side at Anfield.
"I had a really good angle on it, and I felt there was a good shout for a penalty. Yes we are disappointed with those decisions that go against you.
"But I think it's a positive day for us, we've responded very well to those two defeats, and today we put a good performance on. All in all we have to leave positive."