BOSS Eddie Howe admitted he had found the manner of Cherries’ insipid showing against Watford “hard to take”.

Howe also felt Cherries had “contributed to our own downfall” as they slipped to a second successive Premier League defeat.

Second-half goals from Brazilian winger Richarlison and substitute Etienne Capoue left Cherries still searching for their first point of the new season.

Cherries rarely troubled Hornets goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes – with Howe describing their ineffectiveness on the ball as “a real concern”.

Howe added: “We didn’t have any clear-cut openings and that is not like us. I can’t remember two games where we have been so lacking in creativity and opportunities to score.

“It was the manner of the performance, not so much the result. The result was hugely disappointing and we had wanted to win but the manner of the performance was difficult for me to take.

“We will work hard and find solutions to problems. I am very positive in that respect. I don’t believe it is through the players not being good enough. I have no doubts that we are but we need to show that in the games coming up.

“I thought we dominated against West Brom and were okay in many aspects of our game. It was just the final-third stuff we didn’t do.

“We had a bigger problem against Watford because actually getting the ball into the final third was difficult. We weren’t fluent in the first two thirds of the pitch and, usually, that is where we are strongest.

“We have to do better on the ball. That has been our strength and, historically, over the past two years, we have been excellent at times, even against compact defences and teams which sit in.

“Whatever the challenge, we have always risen to it. Certainly, we need to be better than we have in the first two games because that has been a real concern this season.

“My position now is to not panic and make sure you don’t over-react but, certainly, we need to change.”

Howe was forced to shuffle his pack after skipper Simon Francis had been ruled out due to a hamstring injury sustained during the 1-0 defeat at West Brom.

“Simon has been an outstanding player for us for a long time and I thought we really missed him,” said Howe. “We missed his leadership skills so are keen to get him back.

“His injury is nothing too serious but I think it is going to keep him out for a period of time.”

Asked by the Daily Echo whether Francis’s absence would force his hand in the transfer market, Howe replied: “It is easier said than done at this stage of the window.

“For us, we are light defensively on that side of the pitch but to find a credible option with the finances that we have is incredibly difficult.”