Soccer: Cook believes faith in philosophy will keep Cherries up

(Reuters) - Bournemouth have no intention of ditching their attacking philosophy as they strive to move out of the relegation places, defender Steve Cook said ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash against Everton.

Striker Callum Wilson scored in stoppage time as Bournemouth sealed a 3-3 draw with West Ham on Tuesday to leave them 18th in the table on 17 points from 20 games.

Asked if it was time to switch to a more defensive approach in the second half of the season, Cook replied: "No, because that has brought us success.

"We are in the Premier League and are where we are because of our philosophy and the bravery of how we play. If we were to go away from that, I don't think we would have a chance."

Bournemouth have conceded 33 goals this season against the 18 they have netted at the other end but Cook cited league leaders Manchester City as an example of what a team could achieve by sticking to their principles.

City are unbeaten in the league and on a record 18-game winning run after fully imbibing manager Pep Guardiola's possession-based style in his second season at the club.

"If you look at Manchester City, they are flying high because they are unique, they play football and are very brave. They have been unbelievable this season but only because Pep Guardiola, as a manager, has stuck to his beliefs," Cook added.

"He came under pressure last season and a lot of people said he could not change Manchester City but he has."

(Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru)