If Bournemouth win on Saturday against Liverpool, it will take them into the top half of the table
Friday 13 April 2018 11:10, UK
Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe insists his side have been hard to beat since Christmas when they managed to turn their form around after finding themselves in the bottom three.
Since Boxing Day Bournemouth have only lost two Premier League matches but face a tough opponent on Saturday when they take on Liverpool at Anfield.
Before their impressive run of form, Howe's side had only won four games - losing 11 - eventually changing their fortune after a 3-3 draw against West Ham.
Howe said: "I think since Christmas we have been hard to beat. I wouldn't say we've been resolute defensively as we have conceded goals but we have refound our goalscoring touch and that's has been really important.
"Our creativity in our team has returned, our confidence in front of goal has returned, we have come back, which has been well documented lately, late on in games.
"We have just been harder to put away and I think our form since Christmas has been right up there with some of the best teams in the division.
"So we are very pleased with that and I think with five games to go we want to maintain that right until the end."
A win on Saturday could push them into the top 10 which Howe stated "was a huge incentive for his players".
The 40-year-old has been praised for how well he handled Bournemouth's tough run to now see them sit 10 points above the relegation zone.
"I think it is always important not to panic during disappointing runs. Moments when you are tested, people doubt whether it's style of play or philosophy; when people doubt that you have got to remain true to what you believe," he added.
"What you know has brought you success before. I think players have responded again brilliantly in terms of their work ethic, attitude to their training which we have always spoke about.
"This is the highest importance which the players have delivered. We are pleased with the response but we know there is still work to do."
