Howe encouraged, explains Guardiola altercation

Ian Watson

Eddie Howe took the positives from Bournemouth’s defeat to Manchester City despite the manner in which it arrived.

The Cherries remain without a point from their opening three league games despite a strong showing on Saturday lunchtime.

Howe reverted to a back three in an attempt to hold off City’s array of attacking talent – and they came so close to doing so.

In the end, however, it was another day to forget for the Cherries boss, who nevertheless praised the display of his side.

“Really pleased with the players today,” he said. “A really dogged performance, disciplined and with a lot of heart.

“We had our chances to win the game so it is hugely frustrating.”

Bournemouth’s players and supporters were unhappy at full-time as Sterling’s strike came seven minutes into stoppage time despite only five being signalled.

Howe was more upset about what he considered a soft free-kick awarded against substitute Lys Mousset.

He also had a touchline altercation with Guardiola as City did not return the ball to Bournemouth after they kicked it out of play for Benik Afobe to receive treatment.

“We were disappointed that we didn’t get the ball back into our goalkeeper’s hands or feet from a throw-in,” he explained.

“The players came off the pitch giving everything, the players are disappointed and that was much more like Bournemouth.

“We have been given some harsh lessons by (City) previously, they were good experiences for us to go through.

“The first season in the Premier League was an eye-opener and that was the closest wee have been to them.”

Howe also said he was not keen to see players dismissed in the manner of Sterling’s sending-off.

“My emotions were the polar opposite to his so it is difficult to see how he is feeling, but no-one wants to see red cards in moments like that,” he said.