AFC Bournemouth travelled to the midlands on Sunday to face UEFA Champions League hopefuls Aston Villa.
The Cherries took the lead at Villa Park thanks to a rare Cherries penalty, despatched by Dominic Solanke, scoring his 18th goal of the Premier League season, improving the club record in the process.
Another club record that is in the teams sights is the record points tally in the top flight of English football, but whilst this defeat didn’t get the Cherries closer to that target, with enough games left it is still the final objective for AFC Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola during his first season at the club.
After the game, Iraola told Sky Sports…
“Two different halves for us, I think we were better in the first half, dealt very well with very difficult forwards. We transitioned well, played the game that we wanted. The key moment, we are leading 1-0 and commit too many players, concede 1-1.
“In the second half, we were not so solid, could not defend well. Left one against one, difficult scenarios for defenders, and we could not provide the help we did in the first half. If we do not defend as well, not as good without the ball, it costs us with the ball.”
“…The clear goal is to beat the points record of Bournemouth, We can do it but we have difficult games. If we want to get the points we want, we have to have very good performances. Today, we could not do it.”
Man of the match against Aston VillaChristie
Scott
Solanke
Zabarnyi
O. Dango
Someone else
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Flake
I thought we were excellent in the first half. Emery must have made some great tactical tweaks at half time because they were a cut above us second half. The ref didn’t help us by blowing up for fouls nearly every time we won a tackle, stopping many of our counter attacks. No need for a witch hunt here. Beaten by a top team.
Iraola's post-match assessment after #AVLBOU pic.twitter.com/s3KiAM98bo
— AFC Bournemouth š (@afcbournemouth) April 21, 2024
Johnny Comelately
Has to be said, Villa are a very good side, pretty much superior in every position. Obviously Watkins is class but Bailey is frighteningly good and Martinez a class above Neto. So, disappointing to lose after taking the lead but no shame losing to the better team.
RobTrent
Very good day out with fellow Rocketeers yesterday, dampened a little by the result. Thought we did well to match them first half but their class really did show after the interval. Players mistakes were punished harshly.
The future though looks bright and Iām looking forward to seeing what the close season brings in terms of player upgrades. – To join the conversation, click here.
