CHERRIES boss Andoni Iraola credited his side for finishing the job off against Newcastle United, stressing how he felt that “we really deserve this one”.
Two Dominic Solanke goals in the second period proved the difference as Cherries ran out 2-0 winners over a beleaguered Newcastle side stricken by numerous injuries.
The victory was just Cherries’ second of the Premier League season, three points lifting Iraola’s charges out of the relegation zone and into 17th.
Asked if it was the best performance of his tenure, Iraola told the Daily Echo: “I would say yes, probably the most complete.
“We've done very good, 45 minutes - I remember a couple of very good ones.
“But considering all the game, I think we really deserve this one.
“We had a lot of chances, I think at half time, it was becoming a dangerous game because we played well, we have the chances but it’s still 0-0 against this kind of opposition.
“But luckily today we could finish the job in the second half.
“And I'm really happy, especially for the players and the people who were here today.”
Cherries went into the break with nothing to show for their multiple chances, but Iraola shared that his side remained focused on finding a breakthrough.
“I think it was a kind of, ‘Okay, we are doing well, but we cannot lose one per cent because if we lose one per cent, they will start pushing us,’ continued the Basque boss.
“They will start controlling the game and we have to keep the same pressure we are putting on them.
“I think it's the way they played in the second half.
“We wanted Newcastle to feel under pressure, that it was not going to be a comfortable day for them. “And I think we did it with a strong start.
“We missed our chances.
“But I think confidence-wise players were feeling that, ‘Okay, we are playing well today.’”
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