Eddie Howe says Bournemouth were worthy winners at Stoke

Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe said his side were worthy winners after they earned a vital 1-0 victory at Stoke on Saturday.

Nathan Ake's first-half header was the only goal of the game at the Bet365 Stadium, handing Bournemouth their first away win of the season in the Premier League.

Despite his opposite number Mark Hughes insisting Stoke deserved a point at least, Howe said his side were deserved victors.

"It's nice to be able to celebrate in front of your fans who made the long journey. We thoroughly deserved it, it was a really good display, we were well worthy winners today.

"To come here, a tough ground, and to get the win, is really pleasing.

"I'm a massive fan of [Nathan Ake], I said that when we signed him and I'm the same now, the difficulty is the back four has performed very well. He scored the goal and didn't put a foot wrong today."

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Referee Roger East was at the centre of attention for much of the game on Saturday, denying Bournemouth an early penalty when Ryan Shawcross cleaned out Callum Wilson, while Stoke were given a controversial penalty for Simon Francis' tackle on Bojan.

Bojan missed, and although Bournemouth still won the game, Howe says he will be speaking to the officials team on Monday about the decision.

"At half-time I tend to focus on the team and what I can change in the second half, there's no point chasing officials or trying to make your point that way.

"But I will be speaking to them on Monday morning to get clarity on the decisions because I felt the two big decisions in the game he got wrong, in my opinion. The first one for us is a clear penalty and I don't think the one he gives them is a penalty.

"It's difficult enough having to come here when officials get all the decisions right, never mind when the two major ones in the game go against you."

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