Howe: Afobe deserved goal on first league start

Benik Afobe fully deserved to score on his first Premier League start of the season according to Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe.

Afobe hit Simon Francis’ pass home to give the Cherries hope of a comeback against Burnley on Saturday after they found themselves 2-0 down at Turf Moor.

Bournemouth had 69 per cent of percentage during the game but George Boyd’s second half goal put the result beyond doubt despite Charlie Daniel’s injury time consolation goal for the visitors.

And Howe, who left Jack Wilshere out of his starting line up, felt Afobe could have added more goals to his tally after an impressive display.

“On Benik, it was a good finish for the goal and he’s really deserved that,” he said.

(Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

“He’s made a real impact from the bench in recent weeks and today he could have had a couple more goals too.

“Benik has shown a great attitude, last week against Liverpool he was one of the catalysts of our comeback which hasn’t been talked about, he’s deserved this opportunity.

“The sports science and physio team sat down and discussed in depth, that Jack (Wilshere) would have to miss one of the three games and we’d have to choose that game.”