Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe says his team “still have room to improve” after they humbled a poor Watford side to move up to fifth in the Premier League.
David Brooks opened the scoring for the Cherries before Joshua King converted from the spot after being brought down by Christian Kabasele, who was sent off for a second bookable offence.
The Norwegian forward then added a third for Bournemouth in first-half injury time, and Callum Wilson wrapped up the win early in the second half.
The victory was Bournemouth’s biggest away win in the Premier League.
“It wasn’t perfect,” Howe told BBC Sport. “I’m pleased but we have room to improve and grow from today. Watford made it difficult, even with 10 [men], but we were professional.
“It’s a great start. It is so early it is difficult to make predictions. All we can do is work and try to achieve what our limit is.”
Watford looked confident in the early stages, with their best chances falling to Will Hughes, who drew a good save from Asmir Begovic with a shot from the edge of the area.
However, once Kabasele had seen red after 32 minutes, they were never able to find a foothold in the game and Bournemouth played through their lines with ease.
The Cherries had chances to further their advantage in the second half. King fired straight at Ben Foster when crossing may have been the better option, and Ryan Fraser was tackled with King and Wilson in space.
But Eddie Howe’s team were unable to add to their four-goal lead, to the relief of the home crowd, who will not remember Vicarage Road’s 100th Premier League fixture fondly.
BBC