Eddie Howe: "We were hit with a sucker punch"

Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe has claimed that his side were hit by a "sucker punch" in their 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa on the opening day of the Premier League season.

The Cherries had several chances in the first half, but were unable to break the deadlock at Dean Court.

The home side were duly punished after the break when Rudy Gestede scored a debut goal to fire Tim Sherwood's men to the three points.

Howe told the club's official website: "We were outstanding in the first half. We were hit with a sucker punch. We can compete with the best. We pushed an established Aston Villa side.

"We were disappointed with the goal. We didn't do well enough, but hopefully the fans go home proud of their team."

Bournemouth are next in action against Liverpool next Monday.