Eddie Howe delighted to break past 40-point barrier after thumping Brighton

Saturday 13 April 2019 18:38, UK

Eddie Howe was delighted to see his Bournemouth team break past the 40-point barrier with a thumping 5-0 victory over Brighton.

Brighton's relegation fears intensified after the dismal defeat to Bournemouth, who have now secured their safety, moving to 41 points in the Premier League.

Bournemouth's form has been wobbling of late and this was only a second win in 10 matches as Dan Gosling, David Brooks, Callum Wilson, Ryan Fraser and Junior Stanislas punished 10-men Brighton.

"It has been a difficult run for us recently, so we knew the importance of this game, we were desperate to win," said Howe.

Match report: Cherries humiliate Brighton

"It has been a frustrating second half of the season. We started so well that we felt we could really go on and achieve special things and it hasn't really materialised.

"Our squad has been really stretched with injuries, we've missed some key players and that has halted our progress really.

"But we have come through it and got above the 40-point mark. It's a nice place to be.

"Some of our build-up play was trademark us, the style of play returned. It was great to see Dan Gosling score after a long period without a goal and then in the second half we gelled and linked really well around the box and showed real quality.

"I'll enjoy watching those goals back."