Andoni Iraola on AFC Bournemouth's win over Southampton

Cherries blitzed Saints early on at St Mary’s, taking a 2-0 lead before 20 minutes had elapsed through Dango Ouattara and Ryan Christie.

However, their frailties at set pieces were on show once again, Saints halving the deficit via Shea Charles at a free-kick, before Stuart Armstrong came off the bench to restore parity at another dead ball situation.

MATCH REPORT - Late Brooks strike recovers a win for Cherries against neighbours Southampton

But Cherries’ own substitute David Brooks had the last say, keeping his cool to slot underneath Alex McCarthy late on.

Discussing the encounter, Iraola told the Daily Echo: “I think it was a good game, even with the mistakes we had.

“Because we had also some mistakes, especially the two goals we conceded coming from set pieces.

“But overall I'm really happy because the players worked really hard.

“We were very good, especially first half.

“We recovered the ball very high up the pitch.

“We had a lot of chances - we could even score more goals and also the rhythm was pretty high.

“I think they were also in some periods building up very well from the back.

“We had to come back, to have good recoveries defensively and I think it was a useful match for both teams.”

Cherries have now played three pre-season friendlies, having beaten Hibernian and losing to Maccabi Tel Aviv out in Marbella earlier this month.

“I think today was a step forward,” continued the Basque.

“Because I felt during some long periods of time that we were where we wanted.

“But also we have to realise that we have these mistakes that take you a lot of points, set pieces, the finishing, where we can make the fouls, where we cannot.

“Things that are not only a matter of tactics, of football, but we have to improve.

“Because at the end they cost you goals.”

Cherries ramp up their preparations for the new season with the visit of Atalanta to Vitality Stadium this weekend.