Bournemouth Boss Reveals Why Facing Arsenal Was Unique Last Season

By The Editor
on 18th October 2024

Adoni Iraola aware of the task at hand…

Bournemouth boss Adoni Iraola is aware of the task facing his side when they welcome unbeaten Arsenal to the Vitality Stadium on Saturday evening.

Speaking ahead of the clash that could see Mikel Arteta’s men go to the top of the table, the Spaniard revealed that he felt Arsenal were the most difficult team to create chances against last season.

While we conceded the least goals and had the most clean sheets last term, it was our ability to prevent the opposition from even having attempts on our goal that was impressive.

We kept a clean sheet in both encounters against The Cherries last season and while our 4-0 on the south coast last year came during Iraola’s settling-in period, the game at the Emirates Stadium hosted a lively Bournemouth side.

“You have to try to respect them, but maybe not so much,” the former Rayo Vallecano manager said in his pre-match press conference.

“I would say they were the team from last season where we created less than them in both games. We haven’t been the team we want to be against them and it’s a challenge for us.

“You have to win duels against strong defenders and impose yourself.”

Bournemouth have registered the third-most shots in the league this season, trailing only the likes of Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur.

Iraola’s men play an expansive style of football that could be described as reckless by some. However, Arteta will need to divulge a plan to control the game and avoid a chaotic encounter that will raise the atmosphere and benefit the hosts.

As we look to preserve our unbeaten away run in the Premier League this calendar year, the boys should be confident in coming away with three points – irrespective of any injury doubts.