PERFECTIONIST Eddie Howe is targeting more clean sheets for Cherries but insists he will not sacrifice their expansive style.

Cherries and relegated Stoke recorded the fewest shut-outs in the Premier League last season – just six apiece.

Howe’s men opened the new campaign with a 2-0 victory over Cardiff before conceding in their next three games.

Although goals from Callum Wilson and Steve Cook helped Cherries win at West Ham, Marko Arnautovic's penalty had given the hosts the lead.

Everton forged 2-0 ahead through Theo Walcott and Michael Keane in a 2-2 draw at Vitality Stadium, while late goals from Pedro and Eden Hazard saw Chelsea sink Cherries 2-0 five days ago.

Asked about improving the shut-out statistic from 2017-18, Howe told the Daily Echo: “Believe it or not, the season before it was something we had highlighted and worked on and sometimes you don’t get your reward immediately.

“That’s what it felt like, defensively, for us last season. It felt as if a lot of work had gone in and we had not quite got the reward for that work.

“Who’s to say what this season will be for us? But we need to improve defensively, while not sacrificing how we play, which is the most important thing for me.

“That’s what has brought us all the success. Yes, we have scored goals which have enabled us to win games or get points but getting that balance right to remain an attacking, front-foot, expansive side while becoming tighter at the back is the thing we’re chasing.”