Tuesday 3 January 2017 23:54, UK
Eddie Howe insists Simon Francis' crucial sending off in Bournemouth's 3-3 draw with Arsenal was harsh on his side.
With Bournemouth leading 3-2 with 10 minutes remaining, Francis was sent off for an over-the-top tackle on Aaron Ramsey, before Olivier Giroud netted in stoppage time.
Bournemouth had been 3-0 up with 20 minutes remaining at the Vitality Stadium, and Howe says he didn't believe the incident was a sending off.
He told Sky Sports: "I think it was a key moment in the game, then it's just a case of us putting bodies in the way and make it difficult for them.
"I didn't think it was a sending off on first view, I don't think his feet were raised enough on contact to warrant a red card, that was my view the first time and my view when I watched it again. So I think we were harshly treated there.
"The players deserve a huge amount of credit, that can't be forgotten, for the effort they put into the game, and then of course there are areas to improve on, 3-0 up in the second half."
Howe, whose side now sit ninth in the Premier League, admitted he had mixed emotions after the thrilling encounter.
He added: "Absolutely mixed emotions, really pleased to go into a 3-0 lead against Arsenal, not something we really expected.
"The lads worked so well, so hard, and the key moment is them scoring their first goal, I think the game changes on that and we had to see the last part out with 10 men.
"We wanted to maximise the recovery time we had on Arsenal, make a fast start, a quick game, try and limit their time on the ball, I felt we did all those things and we caused them no end of problems.
"We feel the game should be safe, but you have to look at the quality they have. The second goal is a great strike from a really difficult angle, I think you have to give Arsenal credit for the quality of their goals."
