BOSS Andoni Iraola labelled Cherries’ first clean sheet of the season as “good news” following Sunday’s draw with Chelsea.

Cherries played out an entertaining 0-0 draw with Mauricio Pochettino’s Blues, both sides enjoying a handful of opportunities they were unable to convert.

Chelsea came closest to breaking the deadlock in the contest, former Cherries target Nicolas Jackson striking the post in the first half before Raheem Sterling smacked the crossbar from a close-ranged free-kick in the second period.

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The shutout against Chelsea was the first time Cherries have managed to keep an opponent quiet all game in a competitive fixture under Iraola, having conceded 10 times in their first five games to start the season.

Iraola revealed that Cherries had focused on improving defensively over the international break that separated Cherries’ 2-2 draw away at Brentford and their clash with Chelsea at Vitality Stadium.

He told the Daily Echo: “It was something that we talked about in the international break, that we had to improve the goals we were conceding.

“Considering that we also were playing against Chelsea, I think it’s good news.

“They could have scored goals. I think Sterling's free kick was amazing. But you always know when you are facing these teams that they will have some chances.

“I think players were overall happy for the performance.

“One point, doesn't sound like a lot.

“You have Chelsea in front (of you), you have to value the point.

“But we felt that we could have won the game.”

Cherries were still chucking bodies forward in a bid to win the game late on, Iraola stating that his side’s willingness to attack in the latter stages an indication of both their confidence and improved fitness levels.

“I think it was nice to see because it shows that players were pretty confident,” the Basque continued.

“I wouldn't say they were in control of the situation, but they wanted to push, they wanted to be the ones trying to win the game.

“Sometimes we open the game, sometimes it is risky and you can concede.

“But overall, I think we were having more chances, especially at the end.

“Physically also I think we finished quite well.

“Tired as every team but it’s something normal.

“But we I think we improved and the subs also gave us this energy to finish well the game.”

Cherries are on their travels next time out, traversing across the south coast to visit Brighton & Hove Albion.

With the Sussex outfit in European action on Thursday night against AEK Athens, the game will be staged on Sunday, September 24 (2pm).