BOSS Eddie Howe felt Cherries’ 1-1 draw with Southampton at Vitality Stadium today had been a “good advert for the Premier League”.

Howe saw Ryan Fraser draw first blood for Cherries just before half-time with Charlie Austin’s second-half strike earning the visitors a share of the spoils.

“It probably was a fair result,” said Howe. “We were a little disappointed because, when you take the lead, you hope you can see out the game.

“But Southampton did well in the second half and put us under pressure. They have some outstanding technical players and we just couldn’t see it out.

“Both teams went all out for the win. It was end to end at the finish to try to get all three points and the mentality of both teams was very good.

“We felt we could have potentially dealt with the cross a bit better for their goal and it is never a good idea in this league to give away the ball just outside your own box.

“Ultimately, I have to be very pleased with the performance, especially on the back of Wednesday’s display against Burnley. There was a totally different feel about us.

“I thought we were very good in both phases of the game and worked their goalkeeper which is something we haven’t always done as much as we would have wanted this season.

“We really looked a goal threat which is a good sign.”

Howe made five changes following the midweek defeat by the Clarets with Adam Smith, Lewis Cook, Jermain Defoe, Junior Stanislas and Ryan Fraser all restored to the starting line-up.

Steve Cook, Marc Pugh, Callum Wilson and Jordon Ibe dropped to the bench, while there was no place in the squad for Harry Arter who, Howe confirmed, had been “available but not selected”.

Howe added: “We had three games in a week and I wanted to freshen up the team.

“I was disappointed with Wednesday and had that in mind as well so it was the right thing to do to give other people an opportunity to play. I thought they all did well.”