Bournemouth Gains First League Point in a Draw
In a match that saw both teams fighting hard, Bournemouth secured their first league point of the season with a late equalizer.
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola spoke to BBC's Match of the Day in his post-match interview, and openly addressed how he was feeling about their clash against Nottingham Forest. In a game that had both sides leaving it all in the field, Bournemouth managed to eke out an 88th minute equalizer and come away with their first point of the new league year.
Afterwards, the outcome of the match had Iraola feeling a little relieved but still disappointed. Last game you probably end up really happy because of the late goal and that feels like an extra point rescued, he said. The manager was also pleased with his side's showing, particularly in the second-half. The team dominated the final minutes of play and nearly found a game-tying goal, as Iraola said afterward: "We had a moment with momentum in our favor that we practically touched at the door to score."
Even so, the game was not perfect. Iraola also addressed how Danilo's injury changed the pace of play, leading to what was “a little slower and more tactical” match between both teams. The level of the game was quite low, with Danilo getting injured. He explained: "The game was very slow."
Bournemouth played without a true number nine, so there were constantly moving parts all around him. "Due to these circumstances, there were no fixed numbers as nine — and we always change a lot," the former Spain international said. I believe, you know, we coped very well out there and now got to keep pushing; everybody's going through the same thing.
Dean Huijsen made his The match also saw Dean Huijsen make competitive debut, thrown in at the deep end against Nottingham Forest's experienced striker Chris Wood. Iraola was happy with what he saw from Huijsen in this high pressure situation. "I think it was very good. Against Chris Wood, you know he will put pressure on the players and it was a very tough game for him in this environment. He did it very well," he said, indicating a rare highlight of the match was Huijsen's AFL debut.
With Bournemouth remaining in the thick of things, though, their draw at Nottingham Forest provides an important lesson. Being able to get a point at the death of a game definitely shows character and fighting spirit which should help them as they navigate their way through other challenges in this league.
He trusts my versatility - Antoine Semenyo praises Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola https://t.co/rihkK0KtNx pic.twitter.com/2sov9SWByl
— footballghana (@Footballghana3) August 17, 2024
So on the balance of play it probably does feel like a draw missed to make way for three points but in general terms, regardless of opposition quality or individual planning (and nothing from Forest was significantly different/Close has said they wont panic), there are encouraging aspects and attributes coming out – not least adaptability tactics-wide yet player-to-player ability-meaning-switch-on-under-pressure-gametime-instrinct. When Iraola and his group look to improve on these outings, it is clearly going matter that they use this moment of good feeling in their favour towards achieving a more positive outlook when the competition cycle resumes.
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Nick MashiterBBC Sport football news reporter
Robert Summerscales
