Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe admits a bizarre handball from captain Steve Cook cost his side against fellow Premier League strugglers Norwich on Sunday (NZ time).
Last-placed Norwich claimed a 1-0 win, after Cook's remarkable handball allowed Teemu Pukki to score from the penalty spot.
Defender Cook's dismissal came when he made a goalkeeper-style save of Ondrej Duda's goal-bound effort, 30 minutes into the contest.
With keeper Aaron Ramsdale out of his goal, Norwich looked almost certain to equalise, so Cook took one for the team and made a finger-tip save, which outfield players are not allowed to do.
Paul Tierney then handed Cook a red card and Pukki scored the ensuing penalty.
"I think it's decided the game," Howe said of Cook's handball. "I actually thought it was Aaron that had saved it initially.
"I didn't know that Steve had handed the ball - it's pure instinct from him.
"Without seeing it again, I can only assume he's just chucked his arm at the ball in a moment, but ultimately, it did cost us."
The result was Norwich's first Premier League win since November, but they remain three points behind the 'Cherries' in last place.
At the other end of the table, Manchester City's fast-fading title defence suffered another blow, as they were held to a 2-2 draw at home by Crystal Palace.
Cenk Tosun put Palace ahead on his first start for the Eagles, but Sergio Aguero looked to have turned the game on its head with two goals in five minutes.
That was not the end of the scoring at the Etihad Stadium, as Fernandinho's last-minute own goal salvaged a draw for Palace, a result that leaves Pep Guardiola's men 13 points behind Liverpool, having now played two games more.
There was also plenty of drama at St Mary's, where Wolves staged a brilliant second-half fightback against Southampton to upset the form book with a 3-2 win.
In the early kick-off, Watford and Tottenham played out a goalless draw, after Paulo Gazzaniga saved a second-half penalty from Hornets captain Troy Deeney.
The matches between Arsenal-Sheffield United, Brighton-Aston Villa and West Ham- Everton all finished in 1-1 draws.
Elsewhere, Issac Hayden's 94th-minute header snatched a stunning 1-0 win over Chelsea.
AAP/Newshub.
