Eddie Howe has warned his Bournemouth players that they cannot afford to feel sorry for themselves after letting slip a one-goal lead to lose 3-1 against rivals Southampton.
The Cherries took the lead early on through Nathan Ake, looking good value to build on their midweek win over Leicester City, before the Saints levelled up with their own first attempt on target when Ryan Bertrand found the net.
It was the visitors who stepped things up in the second half at the Vitality Stadium, scoring another couple of goals thanks to the work of Jay Rodriguez, and manager Howe admitted after the match that his side were simply below the levels they have set this season.
"We weren't at our normal level. Technically we were below the standards we set," he told Sky Sports News. "Their goal was a key moment because we had been good value for our lead. It was a poor goal to concede.
"When you look back maybe the Leicester game took more out of us than we realised. I don't need reminding how difficult this league is but the intensity levels are extreme. It's a bad day at the office for us but we have to bounce back."
Bournemouth visit Chelsea on Boxing Day and Swansea City on New Year's Eve, before a home match with Arsenal on January 3.
Daniel Lewis
