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Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe praises Benik Afobe's contribution

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Eddie Howe singled out Benik Afobe for special praise

Bournemouth boss has Eddie Howe praised Benik Afobe's contribution during their 2-1 win at Crystal Palace on Tuesday evening.

The former Wolves striker has now scored three goals in three games after moving in January, with his goal at Selhurst Park sealing the win for the Cherries.

Howe's men came from behind to win for the first time this season after Scott Dann gave the Eagles the lead just before the break, but Marc Pugh got Bournemouth level not long after.

Afobe netted from a saved Matt Ritchie shot in the second half to ensure all three points for the seaside club, and the manager praised his striker for his contribution throughout the game.

"It's a great lift for him and a great lift for us because you need the main striker in your side to give you goals and he's done that," Howe told Sky Sports after the win.

"I thought he linked the play very well, in the second half too. He always works hard and there's more to come. He's only young so the future looks bright for him.

Benik Afobe celebrates scoring Bournemouth's winner against Crystal Palace.
Image: Benik Afobe celebrates scoring Bournemouth's winner against Crystal Palace

"It was a great goal from Marc as well. We needed it at a time when we hadn't really given them too many problems defensively.

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"It was a great pass from Charlie Daniels and he took it really well, checked and finished it off. We've seen him do it many times down the years and it was great to see that one go in."

Crystal Palace certainly had the better chances throughout the game, but lacked the cutting edge to nab a point, with Bournemouth condemning the south Londoners to a fifth successive Premier League defeat.

AFC Bournemouth's Marc Pugh (second left) celebrates scoring their first goal of the game
Image: Marc Pugh celebrates scoring Bournemouth's first goal of the game

But the Cherries boss was under no illusions that a midweek trip to Selhurst Park would be a stern test for his side - who still aren't completely clear of the relegation places.

"A Tuesday night here was always going to be a tough examination for us," Howe added.

"Crystal Palace played very well in the first half, they put a lot of balls in our box and their players were a constant threat which we didn't deal with very well.

"It took us until half time to get to grips with the game and then I thought we got some passing going and caused some problems in the second half. 

"We were lucky to be in the game and stay in the game as we did in the first half. We came out as a different side after the break, we were a lot better and I felt we just about deserved it in the end."

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