Eddie Howe relieved as Bournemouth guarantee Premier League status
Saturday 6 May 2017 18:56, UK
Eddie Howe is relieved Bournemouth finally guaranteed Premier League safety after becoming "victims of our own success".
A controversial late own goal from Ryan Shawcross handed Bournemouth a 2-2 draw at home to Stoke on Saturday, with striker Josh King seemingly having hit the ball in off the Potters defender from an offside position.
Howe admits his side were not at their best against a dogged Stoke, but was delighted after the point assured Bournemouth - who just eight years ago survived relegation from the football league - of a place in the top flight next season.
"It means everything," Howe told Sky Sports. "It's a weight off our shoulders and it's great to finally be able to talk about it. Our supporters have been on a great journey and we're looking forward to being in the Premier League again next year.
"You do become a victim of your own success, it becomes the norm. We know the outstanding effort by the players has enabled us to go on this journey and we don't want it to end just yet."
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Bournemouth were all but assured of their top-flight status before the game kicked off due to a superior goal difference, and Howe now wants his 10th-place side to strive for an even higher finish - and not just for the financial reward it would offer.
"Forget the money, we want to finish in the top half for pride," he added. "The prize money is obviously a welcome boost for the directors and the owner."
Mark Hughes claimed Harry Arter should have seen red for a tackle on Joe Allen in the first half, with the game poised at 0-0, but Howe defended the Bournemouth midfielder following the game and believes referee Paul Tierney made the right call.
"Well obviously I know Harry very well, Mark doesn't," said Howe. "He's gone in full blooded, that's how he plays, he's on the edge. I think he's got the ball flush.
"It can be deemed as dangerous but I think the referee has made the right call. Five years ago that would have been viewed as a great tackle."
