Eddie Howe Hails Defensive Display in Bournemouth’s ‘Biggest Result in History’

Based on facts and figures available for Premier League Champions Chelsea this season, that fear has faded like their chances of retaining that title.

Howe said his strategy of taking the game to Chelsea paid off in the end.

“Naturally it is a really good challenge for all of us”.

Baba’s performance was very impressive after setting up Willian and Hazard on a number of occasions with splendid crosses but the attackers just could not connect well to give Chelsea the three points.

Football League World Writer, Ashley Williams looks at FIVE players Bournemouth need to offload to the Championship…

Chelsea are in 14th place and 14 points behind leaders City ahead of their clash against Bournemouth.

“In the first half I thought it was quite even, in the second half we had to defend, I thought we were magnificent”, he said.

“They don’t get any easier do they!” joked Howe. “When you consider what the other people nominated had achieved that season – to win the award was very special”.

The West London outfit have looked slightly improved in recent weeks though, adding to their home win against Norwich with a goalless draw at Tottenham last weekend.

EDDIE Howe has already beaten Jose Mourinho once this year – and will today be hoping to complete a memorable double over the Special One. “The referee made a mistake”, Mourinho said after his team’s 1-0 defeat. He has had good experiences with his national team and we have called him back to be involved.

“Every player wants to play and start but managing those players that you do not pick is incredibly hard whether you are at Chelsea or at Bournemouth I think the principles are the same. When we are preparing for a game, it is always about us”. Winger Marc Pugh (Achilles) has started running again but remains short of match fitness.