Howe cautious over Cherries’ survival hopes despite Boro hammering

Despite yesterday’s thumping 4-0 victory over Middlesbrough, Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe didn’t want to commit to saying that his side were safe from relegation from the Premier League.

With just four games of their campaign remaining, the Cherries are now 12th in the table and seven points clear of the drop zone, meaning a third straight season in the top flight is very likely.

But with both Swansea and Hull also winning, picking up three points themselves was vital for Bournemouth, as it ensured the gap between them and those two sides remained a healthy one.

(Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

When asked if his team were safe yet, Howe said: “I’m going to give a predictable answer.

“I’ve always said our aim is to surpass last season’s points tally – we have more points to get and want to finish the season well.

“We are not safe yet, we’re closing in on last season’s total, but if we play like we did today in the remaining games we will be fine.”

Bournemouth’s victory over Middlesbrough was never really in doubt after they struck twice in the opening 16 minutes before the visitors had midfielder Gaston Ramirez sent off.

Howe said: “With a game of this importance, to score early did gave us a massive lift, it was the perfect start.

“You have to praise our team, ten against 11 can be very difficult and we saw it out comfortably in the end, it was a really good performance from us.”