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| Eddie Howe claimed the big decisions went against his side in defeat at Liverpool |
FURIOUS Eddie Howe was left with a bitter taste in his mouth after Bournemouth were beaten by a controversial Christian Benteke strike at Anfield.
In the first big test of the new offside directive referee Craig Pawson and his assistants got it badly wrong. They failed to spot Philippe Coutinho was clearly offside as Benteke netted what proved to be Liverpool's winner.
Howe was already raging after Pawson's decision to rule out a Tommy Elphick strike for a push when replays showed minimal contact.
Howe said: "It's been a hugely frustrating night. The big decisions have gone against us. It was a two-goal swing against us, it does leave a bitter taste. For me it [Elphick's header] was a goal. If that is a free kick then we are going to be seeing them every time there is a corner.
"As for their goal, I was expecting a flag because it was clearly offside under the new rules.
"The goalkeeper was affected by the movement in front of him. The goalscorer's not offside but the other player, Coutinho is. It wasn't even a tough call.
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| Philippe Coutinho appeared to be in an offside position for Christian Benteke's goal |
"That is obviously the disappointment. We had a few chances, the big positive is our performance, we know if we keep performing like that the results and goals will come.
"But you can't beat the decisions and the two that have gone against us tonight have cost us points. It is unforgiving, this league."
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers stayed out of the row, just relieved his side won, saying: "I haven't seen either of them again. I'm just thankful it counted.
"The interpretation [of the offside law] changes every season so it's always difficult for people in the game, the players, and people analysing the game to understand.
"The most important thing is that it was a goal. That is all that concerns me. I just think if you are offside, you are offside.
The goalscorer's not offside but Coutinho is. It wasn't even a tough call
"For us, it was one that counted, which was important"
Benteke, who looked at the assistant straight after scoring, said: "I saw Jordan on the side and I said in my mind, 'just keep going'.
"You never know, the ball could come into your feet. I was in the right position. I am happy."
Benteke said the goal was good for confidence, saying: "It's a great feeling and it's important for the confidence for the next game.
"The most important thing is the clean sheet, we didn't concede and we won tonight."
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