Eddie Howe was at a loss to explain why Bournemouth caved in at Norwich City.

The Canaries' cut loose in a devastating second half display triggered by Wes Hoolahan's goal after Cameron Jerome had put City ahead prior to the interval.

Matt Jarvis added a third for the rampant hosts before Steve Cook replied.

'For 10 or 15 minutes we really lost our way and threw it away,' said Howe.

'We have been punished for a few moments and lapses in concentration. There are always going to be moments in the game that don't go your way, but you have to make sure that you are resolute and survive them.

'We didn't do that and we were punished. When you defend like we did at this level that will happen. We have had those moments before when you have to survive and be resolute and come back stronger within the game. .

'Maybe there was a lack of confidence after going a goal down. We ended up chasing it and made some bad decisions. It is important we respond in the right manner. We conceded possession cheaply, which is not like us, that is normally our strength, so there is a lot for us to reflect on.'

Howe went as far as to label the Cherries' implosion at Carrow Road as their worst in recent times for last season's Championship title winners.

'I thought that was our poorest display for a long while; without a shadow of doubt,' he said. 'Definitely this season and reflecting back on last season I don't think we would have performed like that.

'This season was always going to be like that – we are going to have disappointments and setbacks. It's a good test of the group now to see how strong they are.

'It's all about the learning and development of the squad from here. When we do have moments like this we have to show our strength.

'We felt coming here was a good opportunity to kick on and continue our good form.

'For spells in the first half I believe we were well in the game, but the goals we gave away epitomised our performance and that is not like us. We were well in the game at 0-0 but then in the second half we didn't cover ourselves in glory.

'That is the beauty of football and how delicately it's poised sometimes because we had a couple of opportunities in the first half we didn't take and those are big points in the game.'