Eddie Howe insists his Bournemouth side still aren’t ‘safe’ from relegation this season.
The Cherries began the season strongly, with many pundits tipping the side for European qualification, but their form has dropped off badly and they’ve lost three of their previous four games, the last being a 5-1 thrashing at Arsenal on Wednesday night.
Bournemouth currently hold a nine point advantage over 18th-placed Cardiff City, but despite this cushion, Howe insists his side are not yet safe from the drop.
“The goals against column is obviously something we’re concerned about. We have a problem with our consistency right now.
“We’re not safe. Things can change very quickly in football. We know the teams above us are still within touching distance, as are the teams below us.”
Bournemouth host champions Manchester City this weekend looking to change their miserable record against the division’s leading sides.
The Cherries have picked up just three out of a possible 30 points in fixtures against the Premier League’s ‘top six’ so far this season.
Eddie Howe’s side will be boosted by the return of Welsh midfielder David Brooks from injury, whilst 10-goal top scorer Callum Wilson could also feature having recovered from a knee problem.