Semenyo found the back of the net for Bournemouth’s second goal in their 2-2 draw against Newcastle United at St James’ Park. Meanwhile, Tavernier showcased his creative prowess, displaying his best form in an exhilarating match on Tyneside.
When asked about the performances of Semenyo and Tavernier, Iraola expressed his satisfaction, stating to the Daily Echo, “I believe they have done an excellent job both defensively and offensively, exploiting spaces and engaging in one-on-one situations.”
He further emphasized that this dynamic combination has consistently yielded positive outcomes for the team, adding, “I am delighted that Antoine scored and was actively involved in our attacking play. Considering the circumstances and the opposition we faced, I am pleased with the offensive threat we posed.”
Semenyo, the Ghanaian international, particularly thrived against Newcastle full-back Dan Burn, leaving his marker behind as he found the back of the net.
When asked if Bournemouth had specifically targeted Dan Burn’s flank, Iraola responded, “No. In their build-up play, they tend to push a lot with the right-back, namely Kieran Trippier. They focus on keeping the other three defenders in a defensive position. Typically, you can find spaces on both sides of the pitch. However, it’s true that they also push a lot of players on the other side, making it challenging to defend against Trippier’s positioning. There is a strategic reason behind their approach. Overall, I believe we handled the situation quite well, although it’s never easy because they are a very talented team.”
Bournemouth will return to action on Saturday, hosting the reigning champions Manchester City at the Vitality Stadium at 5:30 PM. Currently, Iraola’s team sits in 13th place in the Premier League table, having accumulated 28 points from 24 games.
