Andoni Iraola Reflects on Bournemouth's Victory Over Tottenham: "A Good Performance, But Room to Improve"

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola was all smiles after his team secured a 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at the Vitality Stadium, but he also acknowledged that there were areas of improvement despite the positive result. In an interview with BBC Match of the Day, Iraola praised his team's overall performance but emphasized that they had missed several key opportunities to make the game more comfortable.

"It was a very good win. We played very well and should have scored and finished the game in a better way," Iraola said. "I am happy because I have seen a good performance."

Despite dominating much of the match, Bournemouth were unable to add a second goal to kill off the game, as they had done in their previous encounter against Wolves. Iraola was quick to point out that although his team had missed big chances, they defended well when needed and secured the three points.

"We missed big chances today. You want to score a second one and kill the game. We haven't done it, same as against Wolves. We had to defend well at the end," he explained.

Adrien Truffert's Standout Performance

One of the standout performers for Bournemouth was left-back Adrien Truffert, who caught the eye with a superb display against Spurs. The Frenchman had a tough task up against Tottenham’s attacking threats but stood his ground and put in a solid performance.

Iraola was full of praise for Truffert, who he described as "exceptional" against one of the league’s top players. The manager also noted that Truffert's energy was key, even though he was visibly cramping towards the end of the match.

"We believe a lot in Adrien," Iraola said. "He was playing against a player who is very good. I think he was exceptional. He was cramping at the end. He combined very well with Antoine on the left side."

Antoine Semenyo: Focused and Determined

Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo also spoke after the match, acknowledging the team's overall strong performance but expressing his frustration at missing chances. Semenyo, who had a few opportunities to increase his goal tally, was not pleased with the fact that he wasn’t in the right positions to finish those chances but remained focused and determined to stay in the game.

"We had our chances. Overall, we played really well and made it uncomfortable for them," said Semenyo. "I was frustrated and it was playing on my mind a bit. I need to get myself in those positions to get more chances. I kept focus and got my head in the game."

Semenyo also took the time to praise his teammate Truffert, highlighting the strong understanding they’ve developed over the course of pre-season. The pair has formed a promising partnership on the left side of the pitch, which was evident during the match.

"We have a good understanding and have been training since the start of pre-season. The boy can run!" Semenyo added, acknowledging Truffert’s tireless work down the left wing.

Tottenham's Struggles and Bournemouth’s Defensive Resilience

While Bournemouth were the better side on the day, it was hard to ignore Tottenham's struggles in front of goal. The North London club managed just five shots throughout the match, with only one of those on target. The lack of attacking threat was highlighted further by the fact that Spurs' expected goals (xG) for the game was a minuscule 0.17, the lowest Bournemouth have ever faced in a Premier League away match.

Bournemouth’s defensive setup, led by the ever-reliable Marcos Senesi, was solid throughout, with the Cherries making it difficult for Spurs to create clear-cut chances. Iraola’s side was compact, disciplined, and denied Spurs space to operate, particularly in the second half as Tottenham looked to find a way back into the game.

A Positive Result but Room for Growth

The win was an important one for Bournemouth, who have now firmly established themselves as a competitive force in the Premier League under Iraola’s management. However, Iraola’s comments suggest he is far from satisfied with the performance as a whole. While the team’s defensive solidity was impressive, the missed chances remain a concern.

The Spanish manager’s ability to instill a tactical approach that focuses on both offensive play and defensive solidity is beginning to pay dividends, and there’s little doubt that the team’s confidence is growing with each passing match.

With players like Truffert and Semenyo stepping up, Bournemouth’s future looks promising. The next step will be to convert more of those chances into goals, ensuring that games like these are finished off earlier and more comfortably.

As for Tottenham, the defeat will surely raise questions about their attacking efficiency. Spurs' inability to break down a well-organized Bournemouth side was evident, and it’s clear that the team needs to find a way to improve their offensive play if they are to challenge at the top end of the table this season.