CHERRIES boss Gary O’Neil insisted his side’s victory over Liverpool was “no fluke” – stating “we deserved it.”

Philip Billing popped up just before the hour-mark to tap home Dango Ouattara’s cross, producing the goal’s only game in a 1-0 Cherries win.

It is just the second time Cherries have defeated the European giants, and the first occasion in the Premier League they have recorded a clean sheet.

The unexpected victory comes after solid performances against title rivals Manchester City and Arsenal, Cherries almost claiming another big scalp as they were defeated late on at the Emirates in their previous game before defeating Liverpool.

Asked for his reaction after the game, O’Neil told the Daily Echo: “We deserved it. I'm just pleased for the boys and the group. That’s no fluke today.

“Performances in the last three games have been very good against top opposition.

“Fine margins can't continually go against you when you perform in the way we are.”

At the time of writing, the result catapulted Cherries out of the relegation zone, ensuring that they remain in touching distance of sides around them no matter the results in the 3.00pm kick-offs.

It is Cherries’ first win at home since they defeated Liverpool’s Merseyside rivals Everton in November 2022, putting to bed a run of five games at the Vitality Stadium without a win.

Asked if the win could be a turning point in his team’s season, O’Neil responded: “I'm not sure.

“I'm sure there'll be others. Sure we'll win again, sure we'll lose again.

“Try and stay really level. I think it's a big three points for us is how I see it.

“I know the boys still believe, before today.

“To suffer the late goal at Arsenal and come and show everyone what they're made of again today.

“I was asked so many times this week whether the boys were going to suffer any hangover from the incidents at Arsenal, and there's your answer.

“So I didn't have any doubt. I'm sure the boys believed, but if they didn't they definitely will after that.”