Eddie Howe has claimed Bournemouth didn't play against a weakened Arsenal attack despite Alexis Sanchez not taking part in the match.

The Cherries came back from a goal down to win 2-1 at Vitality Stadium on Sunday.

Sanchez was left out of the squad as he prepares to finalise a move to Manchester United. Fellow star Mesut Ozil also missed the match through injury.

Speaking after the important victory, Howe believes his side still had to contend with a difficult Arsenal outfit.

Asked whether his team were happy when they saw the Gunners line-up, Howe replied: "No, I don't think so."No, I don't think so. I think that would be disrespectful to the players that Arsenal played.

"When you look at their frontline, there was no feeling from us that it was weaker.

"They have some outstanding players and we knew that the only way we were going to win was by playing very well so I don't think it matters who they played, our players respect all of theirs."