Howe seeks answers for Benteke goal

Christian Benteke controversially scored despite, under the updated interpretation of the offside rule, Philippe Coutinho's positioning being such that the striker's goal should have been disallowed.

Bournemouth captain Tommy Elphick also had his header ruled out when referee Craig Pawson judged he had fouled Dejan Lovren in another decision which frustrated Howe, who said that he is still awaiting an explanation.

"No, I've not spoken to anyone yet," the Bournemouth manager said

"I've spoken to the PFA and the match delegate but I haven't spoken to anyone from the referees' perspective.

"I have made a call, I'm expecting a call back

Until I speak to Mike [Riley] I don't think it's fair for me to comment.

"It is a tough job, we know that

The officials have a split second to make a decision so I respect that and the challenge that their job brings.

"From our perspective we felt we were on the wrong end of not just the two big decisions in the game but there were several other little things that went against us.

"[I'm] definitely keen to have a conversation and see their perspective

From my perspective, regarding that law, that is the clearest case of that interpretation that's been changed that you'll see.

"And the fact that hasn't been seen is a huge worry

I'm baffled by it and I was baffled by it at the time.

"I had a really poor view at ground level, [but] I just knew there was something not quite right about the goal, and obviously it proved when I saw the replays

I'm just really surprised it was missed."

After losing their two opening Premier League fixtures, Bournemouth this weekend face West Ham at Upton Park.

Howe is expected to strengthen his squad before the end of the summer transfer window but while he refused to comment on reports he wishes to buy Crystal Palace striker Glenn Murray, he dismissed others that he hopes to sign Sunderland's Jermain Defoe.

"I admire Jermain and have done since he did so well for this football club, but there's no truth in that link.

"We're looking at all areas of the pitch, not just that [the attacking] end

When you don't score in two games everyone will focus on the centre-forwards but for me it's never about that, it's focusing on the team.

"We'll try and make the right additions to the squad, if we make any, between now and the window shutting."

Source : PA

Source: PA