SIMON Francis insists Cherries’ “embarrassing” results against the big guns are not a by-product of a false sense of security.

Saturday’s 4-1 defeat to Chelsea followed heavy setbacks against Tottenham and Manchester City in the past six weeks with critics suggesting Cherries had downed tools having all but secured Premier League status.

Boss Eddie Howe admitted performance levels had been affected “by a very small percentage” by their bumper cushion over the drop zone ahead of the Chelsea clash.

But while Francis explained the spectre of safety had been difficult to dismiss, he was adamant nobody had clocked off for the summer.

Francis told the Daily Echo: “If you lose games once you’ve got to that 41-point mark, questions will be asked because everyone thinks we’re safe.

“Psychologically, I haven’t thought like that. I don’t think the rest of the lads have and you can’t point fingers and say people are not trying. It is not like that at all.

“I would say it is more of a coincidence. We knew this final run of fixtures would be tough and we wanted to get the points on the board beforehand.

“That’s not to say we expected to lose these games. The manager does not let us drop our levels and have that mentality.

“At the same time, it is hard not to think in the back of your mind that you are safe. If anything, you can go out and play with a little less pressure.

“You’re not fighting for points as much but we want to win every game and that is why this run has been so disappointing, losing games in the manner we have.”

The Chelsea result, added to the 17 goals shipped in four matches against Spurs and Manchester City, has contributed to Cherries conceding 43 times in 19 outings against sides currently in the top half, the same as bottom club Aston Villa.

“We have to address it,” added Francis. “It is definitely something to work on, certainly for next season because we have to adapt to play against the big teams and not get punished like we have.

“It is our first time in the Premier League, let’s not forget that. We have a lot of players from League One that the manager has nurtured and he has been excellent in sticking with the core of the squad.

“Ultimately, it looks like we have done enough to stay in the Premier League. That is the main thing but at the same time, it is embarrassing when you lose games like that. You feel like you should be doing more.

“We are not just sitting back, trying to clear our lines. We are trying to match them up, attack them and give the fans something to cheer about but you have to shut the door at the other end.

“It is something to learn from in each and every game but I hope it doesn’t continue until the end of the season because we don’t want to fizzle out like that.”