CHERRIES boss Andoni Iraola believes Justin Kluivert’s goal was a “key” moment in his side’s dominant victory at Bramall Lane.

A Marcus Tavernier brace, either side of Kluivert’s goal, earned Cherries a 3-1 victory over Sheffield United. Blades only got on the scoresheet deep into second-half stoppage time, substitute Oli McBurnie heading in.

Kluivert’s strike, his first in the Premier League, came courtesy of an error from goalkeeper Wes Foderingham, on the stroke of half-time.

Reflecting on the victory, Iraola told the Daily Echo: “For me, the second goal was key for us.

“We were playing really well in the first half, we were controlling the game, but we were not scoring.

“If you arrive at half-time just 1-0 up, it becomes dangerous. Because you know they are going to put you under pressure, with McBurnie, with every cross, throw-in and set-piece.

“It was a good moment to score.”

He added: “I think we played really well. We had a lot of chances.

“We started the game really well and that helped us, especially in the first half.

“When you start by scoring first, they are forced to press a little bit higher, give us a little bit a space.

“Probably our finishing was not the best today, but I think overall it was a really good performance.”

At kick-off, just four points separated the two sides towards the wrong end of the Premier League table.

Asked if he expected more from Sheffield United, given Cherries were in control from the moment Tavernier put Cherries ahead in the 12th minute, Iraola said: “I think when you score first, everything looks better for one side and worse for the other.

“It gave us the chance to exploit spaces, especially at the back.

“These kind of games, away, where the opposition has the support of a lot of people, putting them under pressure is good.

“It is important to start strong, to start on the front foot, to have these first chances.

“This start to the game for us was really important, I think.”