Stanislas credits flying form to Cherries boss Howe

He may have been robbed of pre-season preparation, but Bournemouth midfielder Junior Stanislas is fit and firing again – and says that is all down to Cherries’ boss Eddie Howe.

The 26-year-old hitman struck the all-important goal for Bournemouth as they downed Everton, turning and smashing a wonderful strike into the top corner which gave goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenberg no chance.

It had been a frustrating start to the season for Stanislas, with a hernia injury robbing the winger of crucial game and preparation time ahead of the new campaign.

But rather than condemning Stanislas to the substitutes’ bench and a watching brief, Howe has kept faith with his man and handed the winger another chance against Everton to make his mark.

“It was great for myself of course but the important thing was the three points after this week,” he said.

“We bounced back and it was very important for us to win, we got in their faces with our intensity and made it hard for them. They have players that will hurt you if you give them time.

“I didn’t have much of a pre-season myself, I played the last couple of games and the manager kept the faith in me. I paid him back and I want to continue taking my chances and putting in performances.

“It seems I like playing against Everton!

“Last year I got a couple and one this time, but the most important thing was the three points great to bounce back to get the win.

“I pulled into the space and hit it, before I knew it, it was in the net! It was a great feeling and now it’s time for me to continue this.”