BOSS Eddie Howe hopes Jordon Ibe opening his goal account for Cherries will give the winger the impetus to have a “major impact” on the Premier League.

Ibe broke his duck to seal a memorable victory over Arsenal at Vitality Stadium on Sunday, his first goal in 52 league and cup appearances for the club.

The 22-year-old dedicated it to his mother – who was among the crowd – and admitted netting his maiden strike for Cherries had taken a “weight off my shoulders”.

A £15million signing from Liverpool in July 2016, Ibe scored in the Premier League, Europa League and Carling Cup during his breakthrough year at Anfield in 2015-16.

Capped by England at every level between under-18 and under-21, the Londoner also scored five times during a loan spell with Derby in the Championship the previous season.

Ibe endured a difficult first 12 months with Cherries and was subbed either on or off in his first 29 games for the club in the top flight.

However, having started to show signs of his undoubted potential, he has made five 90-minute appearances in their past six games and only came off late on against the Gunners.

Cherries manager Howe said: “I was really pleased for him to get his goal. He had been knocking on the door recently.

“He had hit the woodwork and goalkeepers had been making saves from him. His numbers are very good in terms of assists this season but now he has added a goal. Hopefully, it will be the first of many.

“It is another thing he will take confidence from. He can now genuinely believe that he can have a major impact at this level.

“He has with his general performances in the past few weeks but you need that feeling that only scoring can give you, it is unique.

“I am so pleased for Jordon because he has helped us win some important points. You can’t underestimate the importance of the win against Arsenal or his goal.”

By his own admission, Ibe said his first season with Cherries had been “very poor” and is hoping his goal can be a springboard for further success.

He said: “It was great for my mum to see me get my first goal for Bournemouth. Every goal I score is for her.

“I was just delighted with the win and you have to give credit to the whole team.

“We showed a lot of determination when we were losing 1-0 and that gave us the energy to come back.

“Getting the goal was a bit of a weight off my shoulders. I just want to improve every week and help the team whether it is with an assist, a goal or a good performance.

“We have been training really hard and had some good performances recently. It worked out for us against a big team in Arsenal."