NATHAN Ake hopes Cherries have finally exorcised their defensive demons after helping them pen a new chapter in their brief Premier League history.

Cherries’ 0-0 draw at Swansea yesterday saw Eddie Howe’s team register a hat-trick of successive clean sheets for the first time in the top flight.

Together with former Chelsea team-mate Asmir Begovic, Ake and Charlie Daniels have been ever presents in the Cherries defence this season

A poor start to the campaign saw Howe’s team ship no fewer than 11 goals in their first six games – with just three conceded in their past seven.

And since losing six of their opening eight games and picking up just four points, Cherries have taken 10 from their past five thanks to three wins and a draw.

Ake, a £20million summer signing, told the Daily Echo: “We all knew the start to the season wasn’t great.

“We knew we had to step it up and we have during the past few games. We have played better and picked up points.

“Although the Swansea game wasn’t the best, we managed to get a point and that shows we are heading in the right direction.

“Hopefully, we can play better against Burnley on Wednesday and keep it going.”

Ake, who made 10 Premier League appearances for Cherries during a loan spell from Chelsea at the start of last season, turned in another eye-catching display at the Liberty Stadium.

The 22-year-old added: “Perhaps last year this was the type of game we would have lost.

“I think we have learned from then and also from the start of this season. When you don’t play well away from home, it is good to get a point and a clean sheet.

“Overall, we didn’t really create a lot of chances and were sloppy on the ball against Swansea but these are the games you have to keep a clean sheet and at least get a draw.”

Asked what he hoped Cherries could achieve this season, Ake said: “It is difficult to say at this early stage.

“Last season, we said we wanted to do better than the previous season and we did. That is still the main aim but, due to our start, we are playing catch up. We will have to take it game by game and see where we go.”

Ake was also asked whether he had any regrets about leaving Chelsea: “No. I made the decision to go away and play as many games as possible.

“I think I am the perfect age to do this and am very happy I came here.

“I am enjoying it. I am playing week in, week out and that is what I needed.

“I feel more confident with every game and am feeling more comfortable. I think I am improving with every game as well so hope I can continue.”