STEVE Cook says it is time for him eradicate mistakes from his game in order to push on to the “next level”.

Cook’s under-hit back pass against Arsenal allowed Alexis Sanchez to steal in and open the scoring for the Gunners.

The 25-year-old has assumed the mantle of senior centre-half in his side's past two matches – partnering the excellent Nathan Ake, four years Cook's junior – and defended manfully in Cherries' victory at Stoke a fortnight ago.

Indeed, his one slip aside, Cook was in fine fettle at Emirates Stadium on Sunday – and he is determined to rise to the challenge of being a leader at the back.

Cook told the Daily Echo: “I’m only 25 but I’m taking on a role I need to embrace and enjoy, but at the same eradicate mistakes to take my game to the next level.

“That’s why Sunday hurt me so much. It shouldn’t happen, so that’s something that has to change.

“As a footballer it’s the worst possible thing that could happen. It’s difficult to talk about, because emotions change throughout the game

“I’ve put Sunday behind me but I wouldn’t be able to describe the emotions in my head at that point. I wouldn’t want to compare it to normal life.

“Everyone’s seen the disaster that happened this week (the plane crash that killed 19 members of Brazil’s Chapecoense football team). So the way I’d feel by comparison is nothing.

“I felt horrendous but other things put that into perspective.”

The former Brighton player celebrated his 200th Cherries appearance in October’s 6-1 victory over Hull. In that match he atoned for an earlier error by scoring to put his side 2-1 in front.

It was a response Cook says is indicative of his growing maturity as a footballer.

“First things first, those mistakes shouldn’t happen,” he said. “Dealing with it is a totally different experience.

“A couple of years ago I’d have probably gone on to have an awful game against Arsenal. But I’ve grown up and learned to deal with mistakes.

“I felt like I could forget it and concentrate on my game.”

Cherries next play host to a Liverpool side second in the Premier League and scoring goals at a rate of nearly 2.5 per game.

Nevertheless, the Merseysiders will be missing stricken forward Philippe Coutinho for their Sunday date at Vitality Stadium.

“I think they’re brilliant to watch – and so is their manager,” said Cook.

“The way he has Liverpool playing is great. We want to see Bournemouth in the same category as Liverpool: attacking, pressing, playing entertaining football.

“You want to play against the best players but a Liverpool side without Coutinho possibly aren’t as strong as they otherwise would be.

“Hopefully, we can benefit from him not being there.”

Cherries, meanwhile, will seek a new year date for Giuseppe Sole's testimonial match at Woking. The fixture was originally scheduled for Tuesday December 20 but the club's junior Christmas party is on that day.