Friday 23 December 2016 10:32, UK
Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe has challenged his side to bounce back from their “poor” display against Southampton when they face Chelsea on Boxing Day.
Howe accused his side of letting their standards slip following a 3-1 defeat by Southampton last weekend, having taken the lead in the sixth minute of the match through Nathan Ake.
Tenth-placed Bournemouth now face a daunting task at Stamford Bridge with Antonio Conte's side on an 11-match winning streak.
However, Howe believes his side will respond to the challenge against the Premier League leaders, who will be without the suspended Diego Costa and N'Golo Kante.
"We were poor against Southampton and we've had time to reflect on that," Howe said. "We know we need to do better.
"The strength of the league is a factor in our run of form. We have good character in the squad - we have responded to defeats well.
"Every Premier League game was daunting for us when we were first promoted. Now we're accustomed to the pressures of this league."
Despite a disappointing start, Conte has guided Chelsea to a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League, and Howe said: "I've huge respect for Antonio Conte. The way the Italy team played in the Euros was impressive. He's stuck to his way of playing."
Howe said his side will spend Christmas Day morning with their families and then travel to London for the game.
