Andoni Iraola was insistent that Bournemouth "didn't deserve to lose" as a 3-2 defeat at Brentford saw them travel back to the south coast with nothing to show for a decent performance.

Bournemouth had taken the lead twice, first through Evanilson and then Justin Kluivert, but could not hold on either time.

Yoane Wissa's brace and a goal from Mikkel Damsgaard handed Brentford the three points, as the Bees bounced back from their late capitulation to Fulham on Monday.

Iraola's team had the better of the chances, creating 2.6 expected goals (xG) to Brentford's 1.5, and the Spaniard felt the result was not a reflection of Bournemouth's display.

"I don't think we deserved to lose today. I think we were better for most of the game. Probably, they've been more efficient than us in the key moments, and they've made the difference," Iraola told BBC Radio Solent.

"We had very, very clear chances to score. We played really well again. The problem is when you lose, people always say, 'No, but you lost.' Against Everton [a 3-2 win in August], we played much worse, but we won, and it looks much different.

"Overall, we've been the better team, especially in the first half. I was very happy with the performance in the first half.

"We hit the crossbar at the end, and I think there was a clear penalty to Evanilson to score and make it 3-3, but we couldn’t do it."

Bournemouth's Brazilian striker Evanilson netted his third goal in as many games, making him the first Bournemouth player to score in three successive league games since Dominic Solanke in December last year.

Evanilson had shouts for a penalty denied on the hour mark after it appeared Ethan Pinnock had caught his leg, and Iraola was not satisfied with the explanation he received from the officials.

"They tell us he kicks himself, but he kicks himself because he was kicked. To me, it is very clear and obvious, but to them, they don't think so," he explained.

Thomas Frank concurred with Iraola's assessment of the visitor's strong first-half performance but praised his side's fightback.

"The bounce-back mentality was unbelievably good. Maybe even more impressive than if we had won 3-0 because we actually played badly in the first 20 minutes. Bournemouth were better than us," he told Sky Sports.

"We gave them clearly the first goal and then one or two other chances. But after that goal we stepped up and we found some of that great bounce-back mentality."

While Brentford are scoring plenty, they have shipped 12 goals in their last five games, though Frank is keen to focus on the positives.

"The positive is that we are a very dangerous team going forward," he said.

"We must be up there [as a team that's scored the most goals]. That is incredible. We are Brentford. I think that is insanely good. I think people don't understand how good it is.

"But of course, I am also very ambitious and I would love us to win 3-0 today."

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola expects a difficult game away to Brentford on Saturday, despite having taken seven points from their last three matches against top-four finishers.

The Cherries inflicted Manchester City's first league defeat of the season last weekend, while they had done the same to Arsenal two weeks before and earned a point at Villa Park between those matches.

"I'm not going to lie, we didn't expect seven points. Definitely, we didn't expect these points," he told the Bournemouth Echo.

“But it's true that it’s not the end of anything. We have to recover tomorrow and next week we go Brentford away.

“The way they are playing at home, it's going to be a very, very difficult game again and we have to continue to try to give us chances because it's going to be very difficult. This is the Premier League,”

Antoine Semenyo opened the scoring against City last week and is Bournemouth's top scorer with four goals. Iraola will be looking for another performance from him at the Gtech Community Stadium.

“He has been playing very well all the season," said Iraola.

“I think we demand him a lot because I think he can give a lot, and today probably he scores and everyone gives him more recognition.”

“I think Antoine is going to be always dangerous for every centre back, every full back that he attacks."

But ahead of their trip to Brentford, there was no chance of Iraola getting carried away with his side's recent form.

“To win one game in the Premier League against any team is very difficult," he said.

“You have to do a lot of things well. So, we have to continue because we need more points and we want to continue building and take advantage because we've got these points now against these teams.

“So, let's try to take this advantage and not lose it straight away.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Brentford – Bryan Mbeumo

Mbeumo has scored in all five of his Premier League appearances at home this season, with seven of his eight league goals coming at the Gtech Community Stadium.

The Cameroonian is equal-second in the Premier League top scorer standings on eight, level with Chris Wood and three behind Erling Haaland.

Bournemouth – Antoine Semenyo

Semenyo scored his fourth goal of the season last weekend, opening the scoring in Bournemouth's 2-1 victory at home to Manchester City.

The Ghanaian is his club's top scorer and has had the second-most shots (42) of any player in the Premier League this season.

MATCH PREDICTION: BRENTFORD WIN

Brentford come into this match having won four of their five Premier League home games this season, drawing the other.  No side has picked up more home points in the competition this season so far than the Bees (13, level with Man City), while no side has scored more home goals than Thomas Frank’s side (15, level with Tottenham).

That isn't great news for Bournemouth, who have kept just one clean sheet in the Premier League this season. They are also yet to keep a clean sheet in any of their six games on the road in all competitions so far, while Bournemouth's only away win this season was a 3-2 victory over 16th-placed Everton in August

Brentford are also unbeaten in their last seven matches against Bournemouth (W5 D2), which is a run that stretches back to August 2014. In fact, Bournemouth haven't won a league game away to Brentford since October 2005 (D5 L4), in which they beat them 2-0 when both teams were in League One.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Brentford – 44.1%

Draw – 26.8%

Bournemouth – 29%

Pep Guardiola admitted Manchester City "could not handle" the intensity of Bournemouth after falling to a 2-1 defeat on the south coast.

Goals from Antoine Semenyo and Evanilson saw City fall to a 2-0 deficit for the first time since January 2023 (against Tottenham), before Josko Gvardiol headed in what proved to be a consolation late on.

The defending champions had been struggling with injuries in the build-up to the fixture, leading to a bench with an average age of 23 years old.

Guardiola blamed those injury troubles for his side's failure to get back in the game at the Vitality Stadium.

"We knew we couldn't match the intensity. We have talked about it. It was an open game. We had chances at the end but I congratulate Bournemouth for the victory," he told BBC Sport.

"The 50-50 balls in the middle, the duels, they play this type of game. They are so aggressive. They had six, seven days to prepare. They have physicality and speed, but you have to win these types of situations.

"We have few players with a lot of minutes and a lot of players with no minutes to the balance is a bit uncomfortable. We played good against Spurs but today we could not handle their intensity that they had and that's why we lost the game."

City still managed to accumulate a higher expected goals (xG) total, finishing on 1.8 compared to Bournemouth's 1.74.

That was boosted significantly when struggling Erling Haaland saw a header saved in stoppage time before crashing the rebound against the base of the post from close range.

"We had real good moments at the start of the second half and after that it was difficult to swallow as we were good. After we scored we had momentum and chances but couldn't score [again]," added Guardiola.

It was an entirely different story for the hosts, who registered a third home victory on the bounce, after defeating City's title rivals Arsenal in October.

"It was a great game. We did everything we could. We needed our very best performance and not the greatest game [from City] and that happened. It is very good to beat City and even better to beat them deservedly," enthused Andoni Iraola.

"It is very difficult. They are a great team. They have amazing subs and you have to suffer, stay compact. We suffered after a good game. We had the chance to finish it and not suffer too much at the end, but now we have to enjoy it.

“We know there are better teams than us but it is not easy to play here and we have to keep this level so everyone knows that when they come here it will not be an easy game."

The victory came in no small part due to the standout performances of Semenyo and Milos Kerkez

Semenyo was central to every Bournemouth attack and accumulated 0.56 xG and created three chances, the highest in his team.

Kerkez proved instrumental, too, delivering both assists off the left wing, first beating Kyle Walker to drive to the byline and cut back for Semenyo's opener, before providing a brilliant cross for Evanilson to prod in Bournemouth's second.

"They played very well the last few games and today they had the finishing product. Milos had two assists, we felt he deserved to get the numbers and I am happy as it was a complete performance," added Iraola.

"To beat a team like City you need everyone to play really well and they did."

Pep Guardiola conceded Kevin De Bruyne will not feature before the November international break as Manchester City prepare to visit Bournemouth on Saturday.

De Bruyne has not played since mid-September when he was removed against Inter in the Champions League, with a thigh issue his latest injury setback.

The Belgium captain also spent a four-month spell on the sidelines last campaign, and Guardiola revealed bad news on De Bruyne's recovery before Wednesday's disappointing 2-1 defeat to Tottenham in the EFL Cup fourth round.

"I would like to tell you [when he can return], I especially would like to know, but I don't know," said Guardiola.

"He feels better to train, but to go to the level we need for competition he still has pain. Kevin has to feel good to express the huge talent that he has.

"If he doesn't come back as quickly as possible, we will struggle because we cannot sustain it with 14 or 15 players, but it is what it is.

"We need players to come back but it is what it is. Hopefully that can happen after the international break."

City sit a point clear of Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table after their narrow 1-0 win over Southampton, while Bournemouth are 11th after their last-gasp leveller for a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa.

Cherries head coach Andoni Iraola will be expecting a tough test at the Vitality Stadium, though suggested no one can match Villa's left-hand side – not even City.

"I made one sub in the first half for the first time in my career but I have to assume the responsibility because I put Julian [Araujo] in the most difficult game for a right-back that you can find in the Premier League," Iraola said.

"Everyone knows what they’re going to do, but it’s very difficult to defend. The timing and the way they turn the players in the middle, we need to be better in the decision making [going forward]."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Bournemouth – Antoine Semenyo

Antoine Semenyo has been involved in more Premier League shots following a ball carry than any other player this term (20 – 12 shots, eight chances created).

The Bournemouth midfielder also has three goals and an assist to his name this season in the competition, a tally he will hope to add to on Saturday.

Manchester City – Phil Foden

Talisman Erling Haaland only has one goal in four league matches against Bournemouth, so Phil Foden may be expected to step up here.

Foden has scored in each of his last five appearances against Bournemouth in all competitions (five goals), also providing three assists in these games.

MATCH PREDICTION – MANCHESTER CITY WIN

Guardiola's side are the heavy favourites for this clash, considering they have won all 14 of their Premier League games against Bournemouth.

City have outscored the Cherries 45-7 across their winning run, which is the best 100% record any team has against another in English top-flight history.

Overall, Bournemouth have won none of their 20 league games against Man City (D2 L18), too – it is the most one side has faced another without ever winning in English Football League history.

The Cherries have also lost all 11 of their Premier League games against sides starting the day top of the table, the worst 100% such loss rate in the competition’s history.

Given City are unbeaten in 28 Premier League games in 2024 as well, a feat bettered by only two sides in England's top-flight history, it is hard to imagine anything other than an away win here.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Bournemouth win – 19.8%
Draw – 22.2%
Manchester City win – 57.9%

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery said his side deserved the win after they were pegged back in a late 1-1 draw by Bournemouth in the Premier League. 

Coming on the back of a 2-0 defeat of Bologna – their third straight win in the Champions League which propelled them to the top of the 36-team table – Villa were frustrated by a brilliant goalkeeping display from Mark Travers. 

But they found a way past the 25-year-old custodian in the 76th minute when Ross Barkley came off the bench to turn in a ball from Leon Bailey. 

The Cherries, however, had the final say at Villa Park as Evanilson glanced a Marcus Tavernier free-kick into the net to salvage a point for the visitors in the sixth minute of stoppage time. 

The result left Spanish tactician Emery frustrated as Villa were held to a third draw in four league matches, despite an expected goals (xG) tally of 1.8 and several attempts on target against the visitors on Saturday. 

"We played a fantastic match. We played I think the best minutes since the start of the season. The first half we controlled the game, but we didn't score, or when we did it was a no goal,” Emery told Sky Sports. 

"The second half we started even better than the first half. We were pushing, dominating, creating chances. The goalkeeper was saving a lot of times.

"We scored the goal, fantastic, but we didn't manage the last 10 minutes. They scored at the last moment and we have to accept it.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery insisted that there is no issue between him and Jhon Duran after the striker reacted angrily to being substituted against Bologna on Tuesday.

The 21-year-old was taken off almost immediately after scoring the second goal in their Champions League victory and was visibly angry, punching the back of a dugout seat.

Duran's 64th minute strike saw him become the first Aston Villa player since Gary Shaw in 1982-83 to score in successive games for the club in the competition. 

The Colombian has notched four goals from his eight Premier League appearances this season, despite not starting in the top-flight so far under Emery, though the Spaniard has been impressed with his displays.

"I have no problem with his reaction. Every message we send in the dressing room is about respect and having our values," Emery told The Independent.

“Some young players can react a little bit but it is under my control... Always it is more difficult to start when the opponents are fresh."

“He played very well and he scored a good goal. It was fantastic the way he accelerated," he said.

“We will play both strikers sometimes and when they play individually as well as today – with Ollie Watkins – it is best for the team."

That result maintained Villa's 100% start in Europe, while they are also currently fourth in the Premier League and four points off top.

But the Villa manager did not want to get carried away despite what he and his team have achieved thus far.

“We are going to focus on each match and how we are in the moment,” he added.

“There are other contenders, bigger favourites than us but we are improving and we will see how we continue.”

Bournemouth, meanwhile, arrived in the Midlands on the back of their most impressive win of the season to date.

Their 2-0 victory over Arsenal was their third of the campaign, and came at a time when they had lost three in their last four games in the Premier League.

Bournemouth's opening goal in that victory came from an ingenious set-piece routine, with Ryan Christie firing in a wonderful finish.

It is something that Villa will have to be wary of ahead of this Saturday's game, with manager Andoni Iraola confirming they had worked on it in the week.

"The advantage they have at set plays is they are taller than us so we had to find another way to make a difference," he told BBC Sport.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Aston Villa - Youri Tielemans

Tielemans has created 17 chances for Aston Villa so far this term, which is more than any of his team-mates.

He is currently creating an average of 2.1 chances per 90 minutes - his best ratio in the Premier League - while also supplying three assists.

Bournemouth - Antoine Semenyo

Semenyo has been Bournemouth's leading attacking threat this season, with three goals and one assist in the Premier League.

The Ghana international has had a league-high 37 shots, which is at least two more than any other player.

MATCH PREDICTION: ASTON VILLA WIN

Aston Villa have carried on their impressive form from last season into this. They have picked up 17 points in their eight Premier League games this season, which is just the third time they’ve had that many points at this stage. 

And having lost their first two Premier League home games against Bournemouth in 2016 and 2019, the Villans have won the last two by an aggregate score of 6-1.

But Emery's men have also showcased their powers of recovery this term. Only Manchester City (13) have won more points from losing positions in the Premier League this season than Villa (10), who have won three games despite conceding first so far this campaign.

Bournemouth, however, have won 50% of their eight Premier League games against Aston Villa (W4 D1 L3) – of those they’ve faced as many times, against no side do they have a higher win rate in the competition.

But the Cherries have struggled away from the Vitality Stadium. They have lost six of their last nine away Premier League matches (W2 D1), losing their last two without scoring since their late 3-2 comeback victory against Everton at the end of August.

No team has scored more goals from the 70th minute onwards of games in the Premier League this season than Bournemouth (six). The average minute of their goals has been the 63rd minute, the latest average by a team in a single Premier League campaign.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Aston Villa - 48.8%

Draw - 23.9%

Bournemouth - 27.3%

William Saliba's red card marked Arsenal's third dismissal in just eight Premier League games, leaving Mikel Arteta frustrated by the mistakes that led to their 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth.

The France centre-back was sent off following a VAR review in the 30th minute for bringing down Evanilson and denying him a goalscoring opportunity.

Despite digging in, Arsenal were unable to maintain their unbeaten start, as Ryan Christie and Justin Kluivert's second-half goals subjected them to a first defeat of the season.

It is the first campaign since 2011-12 that the Gunners have had as many as three players sent off in their opening eight matches of a Premier League season.

In fact, since Arteta's first game in charge of Arsenal on Boxing Day 2019, they have been shown 18 red cards in the top flight, at least five more than any other side.

While they managed to hold onto results against Brighton and Manchester City after going down to 10, Arteta admitted it was going to cost them eventually.

"It's very difficult to win in the Premier League with 10 men for 60-70 minutes, it's just an accident waiting to happen. We have had to go through it in three games and that cost us the game," he told BBC Match of the Day.

"We had the big chance and the moment in the game to score and have a different result, and then we conceded a goal. We try to stick to the rules. The three [red cards] have been different ones and three very different outcomes.

"The team tried, the effort with 10 men was fantastic, but today it was not enough to win the game. It took us a while to understand what we had to do in the first 15 minutes to start with, then we grabbed the game, but after 30 minutes, the game changed."

Bournemouth secured just their second-ever Premier League victory over Arsenal in 15 meetings, and their first since January 2018, when they won 2-1.

Andoni Iraola's substitutes did the damage for the Cherries, with Kluivert both scoring and assisting in a Premier League game for the first time.

Iraola was delighted by the maturity shown in his team's performance as they bounced back from a disappointing loss to Leicester City before the break.

"It was quite a mature win because it is a tricky situation [playing against 10 men]," Iraola told Sky Sports.

"We started well for the first 30 minutes and then the red card changes the game. We had to control the game, attack but not lose our minds, as even with 10 men, set plays, free-kicks they could be a threat. Luckily for us, we took the benefit of having one man more.

"Before half-time, we missed a couple of chances and at the beginning of the second half we managed not to finish, so we had to have patience to take the benefit of having one more player without losing our heads.

"We were playing very well the first 30 minutes. It was a very level game, which is very good when you face this opposition. It became easier with 11 v 10 but everything is not done, you have to finish the job, and we did it."

Andoni Iraola believes it is critical that Bournemouth win points in all games against non-European opposition if they are to improve on last season's 12th-place finish.

Iraola guided Bournemouth to their highest-ever Premier League points total (48) last campaign but has overseen an underwhelming start to this season.

Bournemouth lost 3-0 to Liverpool last weekend, to add to defeats against Chelsea and West Ham. Their only win so far came away at Everton, with a spectacular 3-2 comeback, after trailing 2-0 as late as the 87th minute.

Though Iraola will be watching on from the stands as he serves a touchline ban, he stressed the importance of beating sides like Southampton if the Cherries are to go better than last season.

"It is a derby – a game that everybody always wants to win. Considering the standings, I think it's a very important game for us," the Bournemouth manager told the media.

"Every game we play against a non-European team is definitive. Every time you play, you have to take the most you can.

"It looks like an exciting game. It will be a demanding one, but I think we are training well and ready for it. I'm sure they will be a good team. I don't see weak teams in the Premier League."

Southampton remain in search of their first win of the season, after a rocky start to their first season back in the league.

Russell Martin’s side picked up their first point of the season at home to Ipswich Town but were unlucky to miss out on all three after being pegged back by a last-minute equaliser from Sam Morsy.

Martin hopes his side can take inspiration from their upcoming opponents as they look to kickstart their league campaign and move out of the relegation places.

"Iraola has done a brilliant job, but it took him some time, in the same way it has taken us a bit of time to adapt and adjust. They had a bumpy start under Andoni but they've been brilliant ever since and they've kept building on it," he said.

"We're learning more about what's required at this level. I hope, in the five games we've had, they have enough to know that to feel fear of the Premier League.

"You have to embrace it and really seize the opportunity we have. I feel more and more that they are doing that and the results will follow."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Bournemouth – Antoine Semenyo

Semenyo has the highest goal contributions in the Bournemouth squad so far this season with two goals and one assist to his name.

In the loss at Anfield last week, Semenyo had the joint-highest expected goals total (0.35) among his teammates, equal with Luis Sinisterra. It was also the joint third-highest total across both sides.

He also got the joint most shots away in the match (four), level with Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz.

Southampton – Tyler Dibling

Dibling became Southampton's fourth-youngest Premier League goalscorer when he netted against Ipswich Town at just 18 years and 217 days old.

The youngster has also created five chances for Southampton this season, the third-highest in the squad, despite having only played 205 minutes.

Martin said Dibling's "ceiling is so high", adding: At this moment he couldn't play for every team, he suits the way we play a lot, and he's getting so much better at the stuff he needs to improve on."

MATCH PREDICTION: BOURNEMOUTH WIN

Southampton have found it difficult on their travels of late. They will be looking to reverse a nine-match Premier League away winless streak (W0, D2, L7), having not won on the road in the top flight since February 2023 against Chelsea.

If there is one opponent to do it against though, it could be their south coast rivals. Bournemouth are winless in their last five against Southampton at the Vitality Stadium in the Premier League (D2 L3).

But even that may prove too tough of a challenge. Southampton have picked up just one point in their opening five Premier League matches in 2024-25, their fewest at this stage of a league season since 1998-99, when they had no points after five games.

Southampton also remain winless in their last 18 Premier League matches (D5 L13), since a 1-0 win over Leicester City in March 2023. The last side to have a longer winless run were Norwich City between March 2020 and October 2021 (20 games).

Bournemouth can feel more hopeful about their recent form. Despite suffering a 3-0 defeat at Liverpool last time out, they had 19 shots. That was the joint most by an away team in a Premier League game at Anfield on record since 2003-04.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Bournemouth – 56.7%

Draw – 21.7%

Southampton – 21.6%

Arne Slot aims to utilise the set-pieces that proved fruitful in his first Champions League game in charge of Liverpool when they welcome Bournemouth to Anfield this weekend.

Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk netted headers from corner kicks in the Reds’ 3-1 win over Milan in midweek, bouncing back from their shock defeat to Nottingham Forest last Saturday.

Liverpool’s loss to Nuno Espirito Santo’s side marked the first of Slot’s era since taking over from Jurgen Klopp, but the Dutch head coach is confident that the Red’s new-found weapon can punish the Cherries and get their Premier League campaign back on track.

“I don't look at the other team, I always look at my own team,” Slot said.

“I think we were a bit disappointed with the result against Nottingham Forest, [but] we were also disappointed from getting eight corner kicks and not scoring, but we were very close.

“I think [it was] two very good set-pieces and two very good headers that got us two goals, which was important because I think we were very comfortable on the ball, pressed well, but in the end, you need goals as well.”

Bournemouth, meanwhile, were on the end of a late defeat to Chelsea in their last Premier League fixture as Christopher Nkunku came off the bench to score for the visitors.

The Cherries had the opportunity to take the lead against Enzo Maresca’s side from the spot, only for £40million record signing Evanilson to see his spot-kick saved by Robert Sanchez.

In his first three league games, Evanilson has failed to score with his seven shots on goal, but head coach Andoni Iraola is confident the Brazilian will soon find his feet in England.

"I will not value his performance because he has scored. He has had a lot of chances. He created the penalty, and he has been very good," Iraola said. 

“He wants to score for sure, but I will not focus on this. I am very happy with his performance.

"It's football. We played at home against Newcastle and Chelsea with two very good games, and we have one point. We played very well, had more chances, pushed them and you have to punish them, and we didn't.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Liverpool – Mohamed Salah

Salah has enjoyed previous meetings against Bournemouth, netting nine goals in nine Premier League appearances against them.

Should he score against the Cherries this weekend, it will be the fourth team he has reached double figures against in the competition (after Manchester United, Arsenal and West Ham).

It would also make the Egyptian the sixth player to score 10+ goals against four different opponents after Alan Shearer (12), Wayne Rooney (seven), Harry Kane (six), Andrew Cole (six) and Thierry Henry (four).

Bournemouth – Antoine Semenyo

Semenyo has started the campaign in fine form for Bournemouth, recording three goal involvements (two goals and one assist) in his first four Premier League games.

The Ghana international also has previous at Anfield, having scored in the third minute of the Cherries’ 3-1 defeat on Merseyside at the start of last season.

MATCH PREDICTION: LIVERPOOL WIN

Liverpool come into the encounter as the overwhelming favourites to return to winning ways in the Premier League, having won nine of their last 10 Premier League meetings with Bournemouth, with the exception being a 1-0 away defeat in March 2023.

However, the Reds have now lost two of their last five Premier League home games (W3), having lost just one of their previous 58 at Anfield. They’re looking to avoid consecutive home league defeats for the first time since March 2021 (a run of six).

But no side has faced fewer shots (28) or conceded fewer goals (one) than Liverpool in the Premier League this season, while the Reds also have the lowest expected goals (xG) against (2.8) and fewest shots on target faced (10).

The Cherries have struggled on Merseyside in recent years, losing nine of their 10 away games against Liverpool in all competitions, with the exception being a 2-2 draw in the Premier League in April 2017.

Bournemouth have also only won two of their 29 Premier League away games against teams starting the day in the top four, losing 25 of those matches (D2) – the exceptions are wins at Stamford Bridge over Chelsea, 3-0 in January 2018 and 1-0 in December 2019.

But Iraola’s side have shown signs of their attacking improvement. Only Brighton (67) and Manchester City (66) have had more shots than Bournemouth (65) in the Premier League this season, with the Cherries’ average of 16.3 per game their highest in a single top-flight campaign.

OPTA WIN PROBABILTY

Liverpool – 69.7%

Draw – 16.9%

Bournemouth – 13.4%

Andoni Iraola says he does not mind Bournemouth being involved in late drama, as long as it benefits them ahead of their Premier League meeting with Chelsea.

The Cherries mounted a superb comeback before the international break, going from 2-0 down in the 86th minute to beat Everton 3-2.

It means Bournemouth are unbeaten in the league so far this season, having drawn their first two games, leaving them eighth in the early standings.

And despite all three of their matches so far containing late goals, Iraola brushed off the idea that it was a new trend for his team.

"I think past season it was kind of similar," Iraola told the Daily Echo.

"We lost a lot of points in games that we were winning. We had very good comebacks, and we recovered a lot of points in games that we were losing.

"That's the reason why for us, the subs are so important, because at the end, probably you will find more chances playing the last 25 minutes than the previous minutes because in the first half, everyone is fresh, it's more difficult to make one against ones and make the difference."

Meanwhile, Chelsea are currently 11th but are looking to build on their excellent start to the season away from home, having beaten Wolves 6-2 in their first such game.

With a number of new signings already settling in, Enzo Maresca is set to introduce Jadon Sancho at the weekend, and he believes the winger can play a key part in this campaign.

"I'm very happy to have Sancho at Chelsea. He's here because we value a player who excels in 1v1 situations," Maresca said.

"He's crucial in breaking down tight defences; we need him for that."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Bournemouth – Antoine Semenyo

Antoine Semenyo has had more shots than any other Premier League player this season (17).

Meanwhile, Semenyo (17 shots, four chances created) and teammate Marcus Tavernier (12 shots, nine chances created) have been directly involved in 21 attempts so far, with only Kevin De Bruyne (23) being involved in more in the division.

Chelsea – Cole Palmer

As well as having the most assists so far (four), no player has created more big chances than Cole Palmer in the Premier League this season (four).

Palmer is averaging a goal (23) or assist (15) every 76 minutes in the competition for Chelsea, the second-best rate of any player with at least 1,000 minutes for a specific club (behind only Erling Haaland, one every 67 with Man City).

MATCH PREDICTION: CHELSEA WIN

Chelsea have lost just one of their seven Premier League away games against Bournemouth (W4 D2), with three of their four defeats in the competition against the Cherries coming at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues have also won each of their last three Premier League away games, including a 6-2 thrashing in their only away trip so far this season, last having a longer run between February and April 2022 (four).

However, Chelsea have conceded at least once in each of their last 17 Premier League away games, shipping 36 goals in total in this run. Only once have they had a longer run without a clean sheet on the road in the competition, going 24 games between January 1993 and February 1994.

Meanwhile, Bournemouth are winless in five Premier League meetings with Chelsea (D2 L3), having won three of their previous four against the Blues prior to this (L1).

The Cherries are also unbeaten in all three of their Premier League games so far this season (W1 D2) – they have never gone four without defeat from the start of a campaign in the competition before.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Bournemouth – 29.9%

Draw – 25.1%

Chelsea – 44.9%

Seamus Coleman acknowledged Everton "really let ourselves down" and must "look at ourselves in the mirror" following their spectacular late collapse against Bournemouth.

Sean Dyche's side, who were seeking their first points of the season, led 2-0 in the 87th minute at Goodison Park through goals from Michael Keane and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

However, the hosts were undone by three crosses in the latter stages, with Antoine Semenyo pulling a goal back and Lewis Cook levelling, before Luis Sinisterra completed a sensational turnaround in the sixth minute of stoppage time. 

Boos rung around Goodison Park as the Toffees remained pointless and rooted to the foot of the Premier League table, and Coleman echoed the supporters' frustrations.

"We really let ourselves down in front of our fans," the skipper said. "We cannot take our foot off the gas at this level. Unfortunately, we did that.

"We cannot be conceding the goals that we did. We have to look at ourselves in the mirror."

Meanwhile, Dyche bemoaned the lack of responsibility amongst his players, as they became the first side in Premier League history to lose a game after leading by two or more goals in the 87th minute.

"We did so much right until they scored their first goal," the Everton head coach said. "The game should have been out of sight. We conceded one and then threw it away. I can't put my finger on it right now.

"They kept raining it forward and got their reward in the end. They were playing it forward and crossing it into the box, and we didn't deal with it. Simple stuff, but we threw it away. It is the third game we have thrown away this season.

"Everyone was looking at someone else to deal with things and that is when there is trouble. You could see the body language change. You have to see games through, and we have enough experience to do that, but today we didn't."

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola added: "It was the worst game we played this season. Everton deserved to win today, but the players kept pushing.

"I always have hope because this team has spirit. We have done it before and had some good comebacks. The spark of the first goal made us believe we could do it again."

Eddie Howe was "very grateful" to see a late Bournemouth winner disallowed against Newcastle United, acknowledging he could not initially see any issue with Dango Ouattara's goal.

A controversial encounter on Sunday ended in a 1-1 draw after a stoppage-time effort from Ouattara was overturned following a VAR review.

The officials decided the ball had struck Ouattara's arm, rather than his head, from a right-wing corner, although referee David Coote did not visit the pitchside monitor to assess the incident.

The decision gave Newcastle a reprieve, having rescued a point through Anthony Gordon's equaliser after Marcus Tavernier netted the opening goal in the first half.

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola felt it was "so obvious" the ball had come off Ouattara's shoulder, and Howe appreciated it was "a contentious decision", even if he welcomed it.

"I thought the game was lost because I initially hadn't seen anything wrong with the goal," the Newcastle coach told BBC's Match of the Day.

"We have had it both ways. We have had it for us and against us, and we are very grateful for that moment because we have battled hard.

"What we had at that stage of the game was a valuable point. But I understand that it is a contentious decision."

Iraola added: "It was so obvious. I think everyone who watches the game would agree.

"I think the shoulder; it never touches his skin. We have very short sleeves.

"They say it is factual; show me the facts. I have just seen the video, and the fact is it doesn't touch the arm, it is the shoulder, a clear goal and three points for us.

"It is something that is not even controversial. It is definitely not something for VAR to intervene.

"I have nothing against the referee; he gave the goal, they did not give him the chance to see it again. [It was] someone in the VAR, who supposedly is not going to intervene too much, they say, because they trust the referee.

"It doesn't matter that I complain now; it is two points less."

Andoni Iraola has stressed the importance of avoiding a slow start to the new Premier League season as they travel to Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

The Cherries initially struggled to find their footing under the Spaniard last season, failing to win any of their first 10 games, but went on to record their highest points tally in the competition.

They did not lose during a strong pre-season but have since lost star man Dominic Solanke to Tottenham, leaving question marks over their chances of repeating their success.

Iraola's main aim, though, is to ensure they get three points on the board sooner rather than later.

"We have to arrive straight away at the beginning of the season," Iraola told Sky Sports. "We cannot control expectations, and I've said a lot of times that I don't trust the long-term goals too much.

"Once we play against Forest, if we lose, [people will say] we're going to get relegated and if we win, [people will say] we're going to be in the top 10!

"You have to control what you can control. We have to focus in every game. We have to try in every game."

Forest, meanwhile, are looking to put a dismal end to the 2023-24 season behind them, having won just four games after the turn of the year, as they embark on their first full season under Nuno Espirito Santo.

The Tricky Trees also had a point deduction for a breach of the Premier League's rules to contend with before they staved off relegation in the final weeks, but they enjoyed a positive pre-season in which they only lost once (won three, drew two).

And Nuno's objective for this season is simple: "Hopefully, we improve.

"That's the main idea, that we improve our game. The results in the pre-season don't mean a lot now. We now have the real moments to evaluate what we need to improve. There's always a chance to do better."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Nottingham Forest – Morgan Gibbs-White

Since their return to the Premier League in 2022, Morgan Gibbs-White has been involved in more Premier League goals than any other Forest player (28 – 10 goals, 18 assists).

His 18 assists in this time are twice as many as any other Forest player, while in the competition's history, only Ian Woan has provided more for the Tricky Trees (27).

Bournemouth – Antoine Semenyo

Solanke scored a hat-trick in this exact fixture last season and netted 19 goals in the Premier League for the Cherries last term, but his departure has left Iraola with a hole to fill.

Semenyo was their second-highest scorer with eight goals in 33 appearances, and it may be up to him to provide the spark for Bournemouth.

MATCH PREDICTION: DRAW

Forest are winless in their last eight league games against Bournemouth (drawn three, lost five), losing each of their last three at home against the Cherries.

And they have lost their opening league game in each of the last five seasons, conceding exactly two goals each time.

However, Nuno has not lost on matchday one in any of his last 11 league campaigns (won seven, drawn four), considering time in Portugal, Spain, England and Saudi Arabia. His side have won their last four such matches, keeping a clean sheet each time.

It is just the second time these two sides have faced each other in their opening league match of a season, following a 0-0 draw at the City Ground in League One in 2007-08.

Bournemouth are actually unbeaten in their last four season openers in the Premier League (won two, drawn two) after losing their first match in each of their first seasons in the competition.

The Cherries have only failed to score in three of their last 30 Premier League games, with each of those coming against last season's top three (0-4 v Liverpool in January, 0-1 v Manchester City in February, 0-3 v Arsenal in May).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Nottingham Forest – 38.1%

Draw – 26.4%

Bournemouth – 35.4%

Andoni Iraola has confirmed that Bournemouth have held talks with Tottenham over a move for Dominic Solanke.

Ange Postecoglou has made it clear that he wants to sign a striker this transfer window, having failed to find a replacement after Harry Kane's departure last year, with Solanke their main target.

Reports now suggest that the two clubs have come to an agreement, with Spurs willing to meet his £65million release clause.

Solanke played in every game for Bournemouth last season, only failing to start in one, while he netted a club-record 19 goals in the Premier League from 38 shots on target.

Earlier on Friday, Iraola confirmed the talks between the clubs were ongoing, and highlighted just how big a miss Solanke will be to the squad, not only due to his goals.

"I know that talks are ongoing," Iraola said in a press conference. "I cannot tell you much more, obviously. For us, Dom is a very, very important player, but I cannot tell you how this is going to finish.

"Probably everybody focuses on the goals he scores. He scores a big portion of our goals, but he gives us much more than goals. He's very complete.

"I've said it a lot of times that he helps us in all the phases of the games. He will be a big miss, obviously.

"He's someone that has been very involved, he played all the games last season, he scored a lot of goals, but if this happens, it has happened in other positions.

"We have to trust the people inside the club, and I am sure they will be ready."

Dominic Solanke missed Bournemouth's friendly with Rayo Vallecano due to injury, Cherries head coach Andoni Iraola insisted amid transfer links to Tottenham.

Ange Postecoglou has made clear his desire to sign a striker in this transfer window, with Solanke reportedly a target from Premier League rivals Bournemouth.

Speculation ramped up after the Cherries forward, who is said to have a £65million release clause, was not named in their squad for Sunday's pre-season friendly with LaLiga's Rayo.

Yet Iraola explained the 26-year-old was absent due to a training injury, rather than a progression in any transfer movement with Postecoglou's Spurs.

"Someone stamped on his foot yesterday and we are not going to risk him in a pre-season friendly, and I hope he is going to play in the next game against Girona," Iraola said after his side's 1-0 win.

"[It's] nothing big, just that he couldn't put the boot on, and we decided obviously to [not risk him]. Even with other players, I hope they can play against Girona and we can see them. They are really close, they had some small issues, like Justin Kluivert and Lewis Cook. 

"With so many players and so many games it doesn't make sense to take any risks and we decided like this."

Solanke scored 19 times in last season's Premier League, a club record for Bournemouth in the competition, with that form catching the eye of clubs.

Iraola has no intention of parting ways with his star striker, though, as he reaffirmed the reasons for his omission.

"It's not in my control. I tell you what has happened and I've seen it happen. It's the reality," Iraola said when asked on the perceptions around Solanke's absence.

"It'll probably make it bigger, but the truth is Dom came today. We decided it doesn't make any sense to risk him in a friendly.

"It's not a big injury, I'm not worried because he will be fine in three of four days."

Iraola will hope Solanke recovers in time for Bournemouth's league opener away to Nottingham Forest on August 17.