Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe admitted 'relief' was the overriding emotion after watching his side claim their first win of 2017 against West Ham United on Saturday.
Having gone over two months without a victory, the Cherries' low confidence levels were clear to seethroughout the 90 minutes at the Vitality stadium, as they were guilty of missing two penalties, as well as conceding a late Andre Ayew goal that levelled up the scores up at 2-2 in the final 10 minutes.
FULL-TIME Bournemouth 3-2 West Ham. Josh King's first #PL hat-trick gives the Cherries thrilling win despite 2 missed penalties #BOUWHU pic.twitter.com/FaI6NeJRbR
As it was, Joshua King grabbed a last-minute winner to not only seal his hat-trick, but also hand Bournemouth a crucial win as they moved six points clear of the bottom three.
Having seen his side slip closer to the relegation zone in recent weeks, Howe was understandably delighted with the victory and speaking after the match, the 39-year-old conceded that he was relieved that his team had finally picked up their first win of the New Year.
The Cherries' boss told theBBC: "Relief is the overwhelming feeling. It always is in those circumstances “ a mixture of emotions but the main one is relief.
"It sums up the Premier League really “ the ups and downs are extreme but I think we played well.
"Yes we missed two penalties and I was surprised to see Joshua miss it but his strike partner took the next one. There's nothing wrong with that.
First win of 2017 ✅
Six points off the bottom three ✅
Sixth time we've scored three or more this season ✅
A great day!#afcb � pic.twitter.com/yDxbTCYdco
"We had a lot thrown at us and it sums up the run we have had but the lads dug deep and it was a great winning goal."
Having lauded his players' mental strength, the Bournemouth manager was then quick to heap praise on hat-trick hero Josh King, who had started the day by missing an early penalty.
Bournemouth have only ever scored two hat-tricks in the Premier League.
Both have come against West Ham. pic.twitter.com/t8JPlmldkd
Howesaidof the Norwegian: "I put his current form down to confidence really. He's always had the ability, I have no doubt in my mind.
"He's got everything to his game, strength, technique, pace and he's putting them all together at the highest level.He has a great attitude and wants to learn and improve every day, we're delighted for him to get the three goals.
"Strikers are judged on goals ultimately, but he's so much more than that for us."