Eddie Howe praises 'incredible' Jermain Defoe goal in draw at Crystal Palace

Eddie Howe praised Jermain Defoe for an "incredible" goal in Bournemouth's 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Having scored earlier in the game for his 200th career league goal in the entertaining draw, 35-year-old Defoe produced a fine half-volley from an acute angle over Julian Speroni for his 201st.

It was only his third goal for Bournemouth this season, but his manager Howe was full of praise for what he described as a "top-class" finish.

Howe said: "The second one is just an incredible goal. Lewis Cook's ball is brilliantly weighted, and Jermain still had a lot to do. His finish was of the highest quality.

"Great run, and unbelievable technique to get the ball over Speroni from that distance, and that angle, top class."

Howe's side were penalised for two penalties at Selhurst Park, the first of which was scored by Luka Milivojevic after Asmir Begovic caught Wilfried Zaha.

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Christian Benteke missed the second spot-kick in injury time, and Howe felt both awards by Kevin Friend were harsh on his side.

"We were disappointed with the penalties, and the last 10 minutes were difficult. I think the first one you can see why it is given, but I still don't think it is clear cut.

"I think the second one, I haven't seen it again so I'm only going in real time, but I think Charlie [Daniels] gets the ball and that's what he tells me as well. The lads are adamant it's not a penalty."

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Howe felt both attacks performed well in an open contest, and insists Palace's league position at the bottom of the table does not represent the quality they have in the final third.

"That last 10 minutes was very, very tough. I enjoyed the majority of the game today, I thought we played very well and was very pleased with the balance of the team.

"I thought we looked very fluid with the ball, we were brave, the mentality in attack as well.

"It was probably too open from our perspective. I think you have to give both attacks credit. Benteke, Zaha, Townsend, Palace have quality in the front areas, don't let their position fool you, and they showed that at times today."

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