PHILIP Billing hailed Cherries’ “positive start” to the season, stating that the side were “tactically unbelievable” in their 2-0 win over Aston Villa.

The Dane played the full 90 minutes as goals from Jefferson Lerma and Kieffer Moore saw Cherries victorious on the opening day of the season.

Scott Parker committed to the three man central defence experimented in pre-season, with Billing sitting in a midfield two with Ben Pearson.

Speaking to the Daily Echo after the game, Billing shared: “Obviously a good win against a top side.

“We’re only one game in but it's definitely a very positive start.

“I think what we showed today is what we're all about and, just back enjoying it.

"Three points back home against Aston Villa, a top side to play against, good players.

“We were tactically unbelievable today, and aggressive in everything we did. We were unbelievable all over. We have to keep on going.”

When asked how his new role in midfield differed to his swashbuckling displays last term, Billing detailed the changes to his duties.

“It’s a lot different,” he added.

“Last season I was more box to box, obviously got ten goals, ten assists, so this season is a bit different, more of a holding midfielder.

"I have to stay back and watch the front three, create chances.

“I'm sure the more season the goes forward, the more I get forward as well. But today again, that’s a good team, so you just have to be aware and be consistently good.

"And that's what I was just focusing on today.”

Billing also stressed how it was key for Cherries to get off to a winning start ahead a tough run of fixtures.

“I think it was very important, looking at our next games but like I said it's the Premier League at the end of day,” commented the 26-year-old.

“11 v 11, anything can happen. It's our start of the season. It's a tough one but it's one you just got to look at and enjoy.

“You come up against the best in the world so we’re going to have to get ready for it and go and enjoy the moment.”