AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has acknowledged that his side need to improve their away form after a poor start to the season.
The Cherries currently sit second bottom of the Premier League table with just four points from eight games – none of which have been achieved away from the Vitality Stadium.
Speaking to Sky Sports on Friday ahead of his side’s trip to Stoke City, Howe said: “We really want to get a win away from home. Our performances have been there in the main, particularly at Everton and Tottenham [Hotspur].
“Those were two tough games and I thought we performed well in both and it’s just a case of putting those performances together. Being a bit more ruthless in front of goal, more resilient at the back and I think we will get there.”
“It’s hard to win any game in the Premier League”
The 39-year old acknowledged that “it’s hard to win any game in the Premier League”, but added that he had faith in his players to improve the club’s fortunes.
He said: “We know we have to start picking up points and winning games. I’m confident in the players that we can all come through this.”
However, the Bournemouth manager was quick to dismiss any notions that Stoke would be weak, after the Potters were beaten 7-2 by league leaders Manchester City last weekend.
He said: “Games like that you just need to take out of context. When they (Manchester City) are in the form they’re in at the moment, some of the football they played was incredible.
“From our perspective, that is just one strange game in terms of the scoreline.”
Bournemouth will be without Tyrone Mings and Brad Smith for today’s clash at the Bet365 Stadium.
The Cherries triumphed 1-0 in this fixture last season, and would welcome a repeat today after four successive away losses.