Tuesday 2 October 2018 11:18, UK
Eddie Howe praised Bournemouth for another strong finish after they once again struck late to beat Crystal Palace 2-1 in the Premier League.
The south coast side withstood a sustained period of pressure from their opponents to win via a Junior Stanislas penalty three minutes from the end, after Mamadou Sakho fouled Jefferson Lerma.
The decisive goal was the fifth Premier League goal Bournemouth have scored in the 15 minutes of Premier League fixtures this season.
Howe believes his team's fitness levels are playing a part in that respect after seeing them move to seventh in the table with their fourth win of the campaign.
Howe told Monday Night Football: "It was a difficult second half for us. I thought Crystal Palace played well and we took a bit of a while in that half to get in our stride.
"Once we did, we had some great chances towards the end of the game and it's a massive win for us.
"They've got some very good players in the attacking areas and we just got pinned back. If anything, the goal they scored released that pressure for us.
"We made a tactical switch and we were able to build on that and finish the game really strongly. It's a massive part of our armoury, really. The fitness levels of the players are second to none.
"They're a very dedicated group, they've very professional and they look after themselves in the right way. The spirit and the togetherness has always been there.
"If anything, we've enhanced it and built on it and it does enable us to stay in games and chase games well. I was really pleased with the desire of the players to win."
Stanislas took just three minutes after coming on as a replacement for Joshua King to score, with his goal adding to a sumptuous curled opener from David Brooks.
Howe was delighted for both scorers and added: "We were delighted Junior was on the pitch because he's been a really reliable penalty taker for us.
"He's got a really cool head. I think it was his first touch of the game so he deserves a lot of credit for being able to focus his mind and show the coolness needed.
"David has done so well. He deserves to play. The thing that has impressed me most is his defensive game.
"I think that would be the thing we thought, when taking him (from Sheffield United in the summer), we would have to develop and work with him on.
"He has shown a great attitude to that. He wants to run and work. The positive is the defensive aspect and a willingness to work for the team."
