CHERRIES boss Eddie Howe admitted his players were still learning ''harsh lessons'' about top-flight life after creating but squandering a host of first-half chances.

''I thought it was a really even game, especially in the first half where I thought we were terrific,'' said Howe, following Cherries' 4-1 defeat.

''The difference between the teams was how they finished their goals.

''We created enough chances in the first half, but didn't have that clinical edge that they did.

''I thought a number of their players were very good, their attitude was spot-on and that's why it ended up being a high-quality game.

''Fabregas, Hazard, Willian, Costa, they all played well.

''We went near enough up against their best side and did cause them problems. You have to admire their quality.

''The beauty of our run-in is it's so tough on paper, it's turning into that in reality and we're learning all the time.

''We're learning some harsh lessons and they will help us come out of it a better team.''