Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola singles out Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz and Declan Rice for praise after 4-0 defeat
AFC Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has singled out Arsenal midfielders Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz and Declan Rice for praise following his side’s 4-0 defeat to the North London club at Vitality Stadium on Saturday.
The Gunners trio started in the middle of the park against the Cherries and were brilliant with and without the ball.
Odegaard and Havertz both found the back of the net from the spot, while the Arsenal captain also assisted Ben White for the fourth goal of the game.
Iraola was impressed with what he saw from the midfield trio, admitting they made the difference against the Cherries.
“Today is the first day where the game has finished and I feel we were not at the level that the opposition required us,” the Bournemouth boss said after the game.
“It’s true that Arsenal played really well, they are a very, very good team. We have to be very good if we are to compete.
“(At) the start of the game, we lacked a bit of aggressiveness and when we started to get tired we couldn’t be so dangerous. They are a very, very good team out of possession
“They have good players, I’m thinking Odegaard, Havertz and Rice – they are very good without the ball, in the duels, in the second balls.
“It gives them strength in midfield to recover high and attack from there. They also have very good wingers to make the difference.”
Havertz finally opened his account today and also put in his best performance in the Arsenal shirt.
Odegaard has now bagged three goals and an assist in seven Premier League games this term and will eagerly be looking forward to the game against Manchester City next Sunday.
Rice was a doubt for the Bournemouth game after he was withdrawn against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend due to a back discomfort, but he was passed fit and was in brilliant form as usual in the middle of the park today.
The victory today saw the Gunners move just within a point of league leaders Man City after the reigning champions lost 2-1 to Wolverhampton Wanderers, and they will be desperate to prove a point against Pep Guardiola’s side.
Havertz, Odegaard, Rice and co. will need to be on top of their game against City if Arsenal are to win the match, and the trio have what it takes to lead their side to victory.
