STEVE Cook does not see Cherries’ Premier League battle at big-guns Arsenal as a free-hit and says: “We are not happy with being the underdogs.”

Eddie Howe’s side are yet to pick up a point from a trip to the Emirates since being in the top flight, conceding 13 times in the process.

And Cook, who has featured in three of Cherries’ four defeats at the north London venue, believes the visitors have “a lot to prove” against Unai Emery’s charges on Sunday (2pm).

He told the Daily Echo: “We have never gone there and done well. We’ve always been on the end of a hiding really.

“So we have a lot to prove and I wouldn’t say it was a free-hit because we are not happy with being the underdogs – we want to go there and win.”

Cherries face two weeks without a game after locking horns with the Gunners, due to international fixtures.

“International breaks sometimes can halt momentum but also can give you a chance to regroup and work on things you wouldn’t be able to normally with games,” said Cook.

“Hopefully we can go into the next international break on a high and continue to improve.”