ANDONI Iraola admitted his side “finished tired” as they conceded a late equaliser at Brentford.

Cherries were on course for their first Premier League win of the season, leading 2-1 at Gtech Community Stadium thanks to goals from Dominic Solanke and David Brooks.

But, midway through six added minutes at the end of the game, Bryan Mbeumo turned past Milos Kerkez and raced through to secure a 2-2 draw for Thomas Frank’s Bees.

Shortly before Mbeumo’s goal, Iraola had replaced Ryan Christie with Chris Mepham, in a bid to shore up the defence.

“They changed their system, they have gone with three at the back,” Iraola explained to the Daily Echo.

“Obviously they were losing the game, so they had to push.

“We needed some help, especially for set-pieces where they have very good players.

“We needed Meps’s help for the duels, for all those crosses that we will receive in the last minutes.

“But it didn’t work, because we conceded a second goal.”

On the hour mark, Brooks was introduced in place of Antoine Semenyo, who appeared to be struggling with a knee problem earlier in the contest.

“He had a knock, but he was good,” insisted Iraola.

“I don’t think it affected his game.

“It’s true that we finished tired, especially Milos finished tired, Marcos (Senesi) also.

“But it is something normal, especially as it was hot, with the rhythm of the game and a lot of transitions from both teams.

“I don’t think physically there is going to be any injuries coming from the game.”

Cherries now have a two-week break before hosting Chelsea on Sunday, September 17.