HARRY ARTER’S SUPERB first Premier League goal was soured as Bournemouth relinquished their lead to succumb to a 3-1 loss against West Ham United on Tuesday.
The Republic of Ireland international hit his first goal in England’s top flight to put Eddie Howe’s side ahead after 17 minutes, but goals in the second half from Enner Valencia and Dimitri Payet condemned the Cherries to defeat.
After the game, the 26-year-old was unable to enjoy his achievement because he says the team “were nowhere near good enough.”
“I’m not thinking about the fact I scored my first Premier League goal,” Arter told BBC Radio Solent after the game. “I do need to add more goals to my game especially in that position.
But I’m focusing on the performance personally and as a team, we were nowhere near good enough.
“We were in control in the first-half even though we weren’t playing as well as we could and the second-half was really poor, they deserved the three points.
In the last seven or eight games even if we haven’t been getting a result we’ve played well and been positive, but tonight, I’m not sure why that’s the case.”
Arter will be keen to make a positive impression on Ireland manager Martin O’Neill in the coming months ahead of Euro 2016.
The former Woking midfielder has featured for Bournemouth 11 times in the Premier League this season.
His compatriot, Eunan O’Kane has made 12 appearances, seven of which have come from the substitute bench.
