Wednesday 16 August 2017 17:38, UK
Andrew Surman says Bournemouth need to get some points on the board or they could "get left behind".
The Cherries began their third Premier League campaign with a 1-0 defeat at West Brom, a game in which they dominated possession but struggled to create goalscoring opportunities.
Despite finishing ninth last season, Surman says Bournemouth cannot afford to rest on their laurels and take their Premier League status for granted.
The 30-year-old midfielder told Sky Sports News: "You have got to be so careful not to think you've just cracked it. You can't relax and think, 'We've had two seasons here now so we're alright'.
Squads and teams are getting stronger and if you're not careful you can get left behind.
"That's a dangerous game to play because you have to keep improving and evolving.
"Squads and teams are getting stronger and if you're not careful you can get left behind. That has been the message throughout pre-season and that's why we want to start the season well.
"We dropped points against West Brom but we want to get points on the board as quickly as possible. If you're not careful, and you take things for granted, it can be too late."
Bournemouth strengthened their squad over the summer with the likes of Jermain Defoe and record signing Nathan Ake, and Surman says the former's experience could prove crucial during difficult periods in the season.
"When results aren't going that well, it's important to have people like that around," he said.
"They're not affected, or least they don't look affected, and that breeds around the dressing room and keeps confidence high.
"Jermain is calm, collected and I think that's massive, especially when things aren't going that well. And even when they are, he is experienced enough to keep people's feet on the ground.
"He's a massive asset to us."
Bournemouth will attempt to pick up their first points of the season when they host Watford on Saturday, and Surman was impressed by the Hornets during their thrilling 3-3 draw against Liverpool.
"Watford looked very strong on Saturday. Although they salvaged a point at the end, in a way they probably did enough to win the game."
"It's going to be a tough game. They will see themselves as an established side in the Premier League."
