Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has urged his team to find the cutting edge and be clinical in front of goal as they are set to face Arsenal after the international break.
The Cherries have only managed eight goals in the Premier League this season, but have missed a shocking 13 big chances according to SofaScore. Arsenal on the other hand have been prolific, with 15 goals already this campaign.
Bournemouth have had a shaky start to the campaign, and have only won two league games – one coming against Southampton who are tied for bottom in the Premier League.
Bournemouth need to be clinical – Iraola
The Cherries’ last game before the international break was a 1-0 loss to newly promoted Leicester City. The same team Arsenal put four goals past the previous weekend.
Andoni Iraola says his team simply need to put the ball in the back of the net if they want results:
“It’s difficult to explain, you need to score. We had a disallowed goal, hit the post, the crossbar, we had enough chances to win the game.
“We played quite a level first half. In the second half we were pushing them a lot, put pressure on them. We played in their half. We had a lot of crosses but their keeper made some very good saves. We have to be more ruthless.”
The Spaniard also highlighted defensive issues in his team that Arsenal could easily exploit this weekend.
“We should defend better but they have quality players. This can happen. We have to give merit to their offensive side but on the other side we are missing very clear chances.”
“Ryan Christie drew an amazing save from the keeper. There are chances that you cannot miss altogether. We have to be more clinical and it is hurting us. All the games apart from Liverpool we are creating more chances but we are not getting the points.”
Mikel Arteta has major concerns ahead of the game
Arsenal go into the weekend with question marks over the fitness of Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli. Both players picked up knocks on international duty, and there has been no updates so far.
Arteta mentioned that the schedule after the international break would be tough, and was hopeful that the players would return from international duty fully fit.
“It’s been a very demanding period after the international break, we had so many issues; a lot of injuries, very difficult fixtures, especially away from home and some of them playing with 10 men and the team adapts. The team is so willing. I’m very pleased with the way we’ve come through this period and we’re in a good place.”