Saturday 11 March 2017 20:19, UK
Bournemouth rediscovered their mojo in Saturday's 3-2 win against West Ham, says boss Eddie Howe.
Josh King's hat-trick helped the Cherries pick up three massive points at the Vitality Stadium, a result that keeps the south coast club six points above the relegation zone.
The result followed last weekend's gutsy 1-1 draw against Man Utd at Old Trafford and Howe now feels his players have re-discovered their attacking verve.
"I am feeling relieved that we finally got the win we craved so much," he said. "There was a lot in that game and a huge rollercoaster of emotions during the game.
"Immediately when that final goal goes in and you feel you have a chance of winning the game, that is what you work so hard to achieve, so that was a great moment.
"It summed up our recent spell to be honest, I think we have played really well at times and we have somehow found ourselves behind in games we have dominated.
"And I thought that was another one today, we started really well, got the penalty we deserved and you think: 'Right, we are going to kick on from here.'
"We miss it obviously and they go up the other end and score. So it was a real test of resolve of the players. We have been there before in recent weeks, but today we found another gear.
"That is the hallmark of the team, it always has been historically in our recent success - character, work rate, endeavour, never know when we are beaten. And I think we have had to try and re-find that in recent weeks.
"And so far the last two results have epitomised the way the group have been feeling the last two weeks, we have had really good spirit and it has been great to see that in the results."
Howe was also full of praise for King after maintaining his concentration levels despite his early penalty miss.
"I think he did really well to blank out the penalty and forget that, all the goals were really good finishes as they were not easy," he said.
"And he is a player of immense potential, we felt that when we first signed him, and it is great to see him realise that now in the Premier League."
After King had fired wide from the spot, though, the Norway international handed penalty-taking duties to fellow frontman Benik Afobe when Bournemouth were given another spot kick eight minutes before the break, a decision Howe fully supported.
"It is his own decision and what he feels, I saw his body language when the second one was given and he did not run to the ball, Benik did. So I have no problem with them dovetailing in that situation."
