EDDIE Howe felt Aston Villa’s “outstanding” goals had proved the difference after watching his Cherries side exit the FA Cup.

A Carles Gil blockbuster and an Andreas Weimann effort – which completed a flowing team move – handed the Premier League outfit a 2-0 lead.

And although former Coventry striker Callum Wilson hit back in the closing moments, the hosts held on to progress to the fifth round.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “I think you could see the difference in terms of the Premier League quality with their two goals, which were outstanding.

“That was the difference between the two sides. I do feel if we had got a goal back with 10 minutes to go, it would have been a really nervy finish for Aston Villa.

“I always felt we were in the game at 1-0 down and the second goal took it away from us slightly.

“We felt that in the first half especially, we were well in the game and I thought we created the better opportunities.

“I wouldn’t say we dominated the ball but we had a good defensive structure and limited their chances. It took a real moment of quality to break the deadlock and I think it gave Villa a lift, which made it more difficult for us. But I couldn’t be happier with the players’ performances. I thought they gave everything.

“We will use the experience as a positive. We went toe-to-toe with an established Premier League club at their own ground and didn’t deviate from our principles. We still tried to pass the ball and do what we do. In the main, I thought we did it pretty well.”

Villa had scored fewer league goals in Birmingham than Cherries this season and it took until the 51st minute for the home side to register a shot on target.

That strike was Gil’s stunning opener and while disappointed to concede, Howe felt the rearguard effort was well worthy of praise.

He added: “That’s football, I’m afraid. It doesn’t matter how many shots you’ve had on target previously. One moment can change a game and that’s what happened.

“I think it’s good from our perspective that we were tight. Our back four were excellent.

“A lot has been made of Villa’s goalscoring problems but you look at their players and they have got some outstanding individuals.”