Bournemouth captain Tommy Elphick believes the Championship leaders are in that position on merit ahead of Good Friday's crucial away game at promotion rivals Ipswich.
The Cherries have emerged as serious title contenders after a blip in form at the start of 2015, and currently lead England’s second tier by a point from Watford and Middlesbrough.
Just eight points separate the top eight, highlighting why the Championship is widely regarded as the most competitive league in Europe, but Elphick belives Eddie Howe’s side's lofty position is fully deserved.
“At this stage of the season, the stats don’t lie. We are coming out on top on almost everything,” said the 27-year-old defender.
“Every time we win and stay top, the next one gets bigger.”
Bournemouth and the Tractor Boys go head to head on Friday, with both springing a surprise with their respective achievements this season, and the Cherries skipper admits teams have started to recognise and address their potential.
Elphick said: “People underestimating us has worn off a bit now, teams are coming down to play us setting up a bit differently and showed us a lot more respect than last year.
“Things have been a little bit harder in terms of breaking teams down. There’s also been a lot of media coverage which adds to the tension.”
0 nhận xét:
Đăng nhận xét