Eddie Howe is confident Bournemouth are progressing against the Premier League's top-six clubs.

The Cherries have secured wins over Arsenal and Chelsea this season, which could prove pivotal in them securing their fourth straight top-flight campaign.

And Howe believes his side are gaining more confidence each season they come against the big clubs.

When asked if the Cherries were getting closer to the top teams, Howe replied: "I think at certain times we have.

"There have been games when we have been really pleased with how we have performed. Every season, we have beaten some big teams and those results have been crucial to us staying up. If you were to take away those points, it would have been difficult for us.

"We have learned down the years that if we perform at our very best levels, both individually and collectively, then we have a chance to win.

"If we don't, invariably, we will get beaten and that was probably how we were at Liverpool on Saturday. Two or three players played well and it isn't enough. You need to be eight, nine, 10s and 11s to really give the top teams a good game."