CHERRIES boss Andoni Iraola explained the reasoning behind his substitutions during his side’s defeat away at Luton Town, admitting it was probably not "the best moment."

Marcus Tavernier’s opener at Kenilworth Road was cancelled out by Jordan Clark before Carlton Morris completed the turnaround for Luton to win 2-1 on Saturday afternoon.

Goalscorer Tavernier was forced off with a hamstring injury shortly after his goal, before Antoine Semenyo requested a substitution with 20 minutes remaining.

After having already used one of three substitution windows, Iraola was hesitant to use another on just one sub, and as such, also opted to bring off Justin Kluivert whilst subbing Semenyo.

With a lack of natural wingers on the bench, Cherries saw out the game with leading goalscorer Dominic Solanke on the wing, with substitute striker Enes Unal up top.

Iraola explained to the Daily Echo: “The first subs were Tavs and Ant.

“I didn't want to do the one sub, one sub and then leave three players only with one window.

“So probably I did (subbing off Justin Kluivert) before I expected, with the other one, to make both of them together.

“But even from the beginning of the second half, I realised it's difficult to play the long balls we were playing (in the first half).

“Because Neto, when he kicked, the balls they were going almost not even to the halfway line.

“Then they were playing differently and it was more difficult.

“Probably we should have been more direct in the (first half) and try to take our chances when we were in control of the game.”

Iraola also felt that his side should have made the most of their first-half performance, with AFC Bournemouth frequently getting forward on the counter.

However, despite their attacking threat, Cherries could not muster a shot on target in the first period.

Iraola continued: “I would say first half we were arriving very well, transitioning very well.

“Finding the spaces in behind very well, winning the duels.

“But as soon as the second half started, we weren't able to find these long balls, these diagonals, these spaces in behind.

“And I knew that we were going to suffer.

“Luckily we scored the goal and that put us in a good position.

“But, especially after Tavs was injured, Ant (Semenyo) also asked for the change and they were playing well and probably was not the best moment to do the subs.”

Cherries are back in action next weekend, when they welcome Manchester United to Dean Court (5.30pm).