AFC Bournemouth is experiencing a remarkable transformation under the guidance of Spanish manager Andoni Iraola, who has quickly made his mark in the Premier League. The decision to part ways with former manager Gary O’Neil last summer raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. Many questioned the club’s choice to hire a manager without any Premier League experience. However, just over a year into Iraola’s tenure, he has proven his critics wrong and turned Bournemouth into a competitive force in the top flight of English football.
In the 2023/2024 season, Bournemouth set a club record by finishing the Premier League campaign with 48 points, surpassing the previous record of 46 points set during Eddie Howe’s tenure in the 2016/2017 season. This season, the Cherries have continued their upward trajectory, currently sitting in 6th place with 25 points, just three points shy of the coveted Champions League spots. Their impressive run includes notable victories against top-tier teams, including a stunning 2-1 win over Manchester City, as well as triumphs over London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham.
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One of the standout features of Iraola’s management is the attacking style of play that has emerged at Bournemouth. Fans have been treated to thrilling matches, with the team scoring 24 goals from an expected goals (xG) tally of 33. While they have yet to fully capitalize on their xG, Bournemouth ranks second in the league for xG, trailing only Chelsea. The transformation from a passive, low-block approach to a more aggressive, front-footed style has been a game-changer. The team now excels in high pressing, ranking first in the league for possession won in the opposition’s defensive third, with a remarkable 350 recoveries and an average of 6.5 per game. This has been instrumental in disrupting the build-up play of opposing teams, contributing to their success against top-half opponents.
Despite averaging just 45.2% possession, Bournemouth ranks 5th in the Premier League for shots on target per game, averaging 5.5. This is a significant improvement from the previous season, where they ranked near the bottom with only 3.5 shots on target per 90 minutes. Under Iraola’s leadership, the team has become more effective in turning possession into goal-scoring opportunities, with the ball being played into the opposition penalty box 469 times this season—double the rate from O’Neil’s last season in charge.
Bournemouth has also excelled in winning penalties, with five awarded this season, of which 80% have been successfully converted. This relentless pressing style, combined with quick transitions from attack to defense, has made the Cherries a formidable opponent. They have managed to concede only 21 goals from an xG of 20.4, outperforming several top teams, including Tottenham, Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Brighton.
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The impact of Iraola is even more impressive considering the loss of key player Dominic Solanke, who transferred to Tottenham this summer. The fact that Bournemouth continues to perform well despite this setback speaks volumes about Iraola’s coaching abilities and the resilience of the squad. However, fans are left hoping that their rising star manager will remain with the club, as his success may attract interest from bigger teams in the future.
AFC Bournemouth is undeniably heading in the right direction under Andoni Iraola’s stewardship. The club’s decision to part ways with Gary O’Neil is increasingly being seen as a bold yet justified move. As the season progresses, supporters and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how far this re-energized team can go, and whether they can secure a place among the elite in English football.
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