Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe hails 'huge' win over West Brom

Eddie Howe was delighted with Bournemouth's battling display at West Brom, which saw his side secure their third straight win.

Howe said his players had to show another side to their play to secure the victory after James McClean's red card in the 34th minute - for a scything challenge on Adam Smith - handed the Cherries a numerical advantage.

Howe admits Bournemouth initially struggled to adapt, but hailed the way his team found the resolve to win after conceding Gareth McAuley's 79th-minute equaliser.

"It was always going to be a difficult fixture this, they're very good at what they do, West Brom, no surprise they put us under pressure from set pieces all those things," Howe told Sky Sports.

"We were very good in certain situations and obviously the [McClean] sending off has had a big bearing on this game.

"It's a different type of win, we kept the ball very well for 60 minutes and looked in total control and then after the sending off we almost looked negative in our play, didn't look to score.

"We showed the character when it was 1-1 to find the strength to get a winner. A hugely satisfying day."

Howe also believes it is vital that his team have points on the board going into a gruelling Christmas schedule, with games away at Arsenal and Leicester in their next three fixtures.

He said: "It's huge for us, we talk about consecutive wins, back-to-back wins so important, but to get three at this stage of the season with the games we have got coming up is a real boost.

"We are certainly looking at these games positively and look for the challenges ahead. The challenge is to keep momentum and the wins coming."