Bournemouth’s record signing Benik Afobe was fortunate to escape a serious injury following a high tackle by the Norwich goalkeeper, Declan Rudd, according to the Bournemouth manager, Eddie Howe.

The Cherries secured the biggest victory of their short Premier League tenure with Afobe, who joined Bournemouth for a reported £11mfrom Wolves this month, was among the scorers after he opened his account with 15 minutes remaining. But Howe claimed the 22-year-old was lucky to still be on the pitch after he was scythed down by Rudd in the first half but was only booked by the referee, Robert Madley .