CHERRIES talent Lewis Cook believes victory on the opening day of the season was “massive” for the side, as their tough run of fixtures continue against Arsenal this Saturday (kick-off 5.30pm).

Arsenal’s visit to Dorset is sandwiched between away trips to the Etihad and Anfield to face Manchester City and Liverpool, two sides firmly cemented as England’s two best teams in recent years.

The Gunners are no mugs themselves, with Mikel Arteta’s Gunners one of only two teams in the Premier League to have won both of their opening fixtures, with Cherries’ last opponents, City, the other side with an intact 100 per cent record.

Cook played the full 90 minutes in Cherries’ single previous win over the London side, a 2-1 victory at the Vitality Stadium in January 2018.

Reflecting on heading into the Arsenal fixture with three points already on the board, Cook told the Daily Echo: “Obviously you want to be on the pitch and enjoying your football but I think the first game season was massive for us.

“We know the tests coming up in the next three games so we've got a good three points.

“Tough game (against City), like we knew it was going to be but, like I say, we have Arsenal at home and we give it our best shot.

“Definitely another top team. It's going to be a test for us but like I said, we want to play against the best teams and give it our best shot.

“So looking forward to the game and hopefully getting three points.”

Cook also revealed that he was looking forward to crossing paths with Aaron Ramsdale again.

The pair featured in 26 Premier League games for Cherries, whilst also playing together for England’s under-21s against Qatar in 2018.

He mentioned: “Yeah, definitely (looking forward to seeing Ramsdale).

“He's a top guy, top ‘keeper as well. So looking forward to the game and hopefully we can put it right there.”