“We didn’t deserve to lose”, says Cherries skipper Cook

Cherries stalwart Steve Cook rued his side’s recent misfortunes after defeat at Everton yesterday.

Goals from Kurt Zouma and Dominic Calvert-Lewin condemned Bournemouth to defeat at Goodison Park – an 11th in 14 games for the Dorset side.

The visitors had carved out their fair share of openings on Merseyside, but were once again left frustrated at the full-time whistle. David Brooks had cracked an effort against the woodwork in the first-half, and two strong penalty appeals were also waved away by referee Anthony Taylor.

But two second-half finishes proved to be fatal for the Cherries, extending the torrid run of Eddie Howe’s outfit.

Centre-back Cook, who skippered the side in the absence of club captain Simon Francis, admitted his frustration with the manner in which the Cherries fell to defeat:

“I don’t think we deserved to lose the game today. It’s really difficult to take. I thought our first half performance was really good and we just needed that goal. If we’d got the first goal, we would have had a really good day.

“But again, it’s a free header in the box which has lost us the game. We really need to pick ourselves up and start to take responsibility. Someone’s got to come out and win us the game, and we’ve got to stop conceding poor goals.”

As Everton began to pile on the pressure, only a superb intervention from Nathan Ake denied Richarlison from stroking home from close range – a moment which the Dutchman’s centre-half partner believed could have proved a turning point.

Cook said: “We had some great chances today, and defended equally well. Nathan [Ake] made an unbelievable block on the line and after that we felt we were going to go on and win it.

“The second goal came when we were chasing the game, and we were spread. But to lose that game 2-0 is a real big kick in the teeth.”

Nathaniel Clyne made his second appearance since joining the Cherries on loan until the end of the season from Liverpool, whilst Adam Smith also earned a surprise start at left-back after returning from injury.

“I thought everyone across the pitch has really given everything,” Cook said. “The fight was there. Obviously Adam [Smith] hasn’t played in a long, long time and he was terrific. Clyne’s obviously new to the club and he’s done very well as well.

“I think now we need that solidity and continuity throughout the team, start building relationships again and try and be positive.”