Howe grateful to fans after Bournemouth end slump

You wait all year for one Wilson to score and then two come along at once. Goals from Harry and Callum

Wilson and an own goal from Pascal Gross, the first Bournemouth have troubled the scoreboard in 2020, provided beleaguered Eddie Howe will some well overdue good cheer.

A dismal run which had seen the club collect just four points from a possible 36 had sent Howe’s side plummeting into the bottom three with an injury-ravaged squad.

But at 90 minutes, Howe punched the air, the crowd sang his name and a look of relief washed over his face. “I think there’s a lot of

clubs up and down the country that wouldn’t have been given the time they’ve given us,” said Howe of his supporters. “It’s what you’re in it for – the highs and the lows. We’re desperate to retain our Premier League status. I love the league, I love everything about it.”

Despite dominating possession for long spells, Brighton were largely toothless, particularly in the first half when two late goals swung the match in Bournemouth’s favour.

“I thought we were in control of the game,” said Brighton’s manager, Graham Potter. “I thought the home crowd was just about to turn on the team. Five minutes of a bit of madness from us means it’s 2-0 and the environment changes.”

The first goal came as the excellent Dominic Solanke collected Lewis Dunk’s unconvincing headed clearance and played a carefully weighted pass to Harry Wilson which the on-loan Liverpool winger dispatched past Mat Ryan. Five minutes later, the home side extended their lead as Diego Rico’s corner was not cleared and Gross directed the ball into his own net under heavy pressure from Callum Wilson.

It was little surprise when Bournemouth got a third, with not much sign of a Brighton fightback. Solanke was again influential, this time feeding Callum Wilson who skipped past Ryan and slid home his first goal since September.

Aaron Mooy was by far Brighton’s best player and his marauding runs from midfield will be the only source of solace for Potter. “It’s going to be a long, tortuous few days for me, that’s for sure,” said Potter of his side’s predicament.

Late on, Mooy expertly controlled the ball and smashed it in off the post to bring the faintest of cheers from the small band of travelling support that had remained until the end. Maupay and Mooy again went close with efforts from the edge of the area, but finally Howe’s luck had turned.

Bournemouth

Brighton & Hove Albion

Referee