SIRIKI Dembele agreed with Gary O’Neil’s summation that Cherries’ 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace was “the worst” the head coach had seen his charges play.

Lackadaisical defending from Cherries allowed the Eagles to score twice from corners, Jordan Ayew nodding home unmarked before Eberechi Eze slotted home from the edge of the area.

Throughout the contest Cherries were unable to lay a glove on their opponents, with Crystal Palace in control throughout.

Dembele was introduced as a first-half substitute in place of Philip Billing, the 26-year-old making just his third Premier League appearance.

The result now means Cherries have picked up four points from their last eight Premier League fixtures.

Asked if he agreed with O’Neil’s comments, Dembele told the Daily Echo: “I think we've been playing well with him, to be honest.

“And what he said, I think that is probably true for today's game.

“We haven't played like that in a long time, and I agree with that.”

A smattering of boos followed the final whistle, with Dembele understanding but keen to ask for patience for the rest of the campaign.

He restarted: “I think sometimes you’ve got to look further than what's just happened.

“You know, it's a long season, you’ve got to wait and see what happens next, because it's very easy to get on people's back straight away.

“But I think if you keep supporting, there'll be some good moments.”
Prior to his substitution against Palace, Dembele had only played 40 minutes for Cherries across four cameo appearances.

He played 52 minutes against the Eagles, more than doubling his total for the season.

Cherries have made no bones about their intention to strengthen their squad, meaning there will have to be departures as the Dorset club with the full compliment of 25 players already registered.

Asked about his future, Dembele responded: “It was very good to play as many minutes as I did today.

“I want to play football. Here, if I get a chance to play, I play.”