ANDONI Iraola was left “happy” with his side’s performance as they stepped up their level to earn a 1-1 draw with Arsenal.

Three days earlier, Cherries had been held to the same score by League One Wrexham in a Santa Barbara.

But they looked much more like the dangerous side they showed last season in their performance against the Gunners, Dominic Solanke and Dango Ouattara going close to scoring before Antoine Semenyo did find the net.

Discussing the draw in Los Angeles, head coach Iraola said: “I finished really happy with the game – really, really happy.

“Even the first half, I think we were overall the team who probably had more chances to win the game.

“We tied it, but apart from the result, which is the least important thing, I felt like we played in a good rhythm. Much quicker than the other day against Wrexham, with a different level.

“I think it was a good game to prepare, because considering it is quite early in pre-season, the rhythm of the game was quite nice.”

Asked how beneficial the trip to the USA has been for the club, Iraola added: “Arsenal are used to coming here. Every pre-season they play even bigger games.

“But for us, I think it’s something very important, as a club.

“I’m not talking only on the sporting side. I think a lot of people probably came to that game and didn’t know us, or didn’t know our players.

“Probably now they will be looking more at Bournemouth. It takes a lot of time to make a brand let’s say.

“I am very happy, because also we could see in the open training session, people who have made the trip from England, come all the way here. I think it’s very good for the club.”

Cherries lost 4-0 and 3-0 to Arsenal in the Premier League last season, Mikel Arteta’s Gunners pipped to the title by Manchester City on the final day.

Quizzed on the challenge the Gunners posed in California, Iraola said: “I wouldn’t take too many conclusions from a friendly in pre-season.

“They mixed their team a little bit, but their way of playing is quite recognisable.

“They want to dictate the game, they want to stay compact, press sometimes, sometimes get lower. They are very elite team, top level for me.

“They have a great coach. As an opposition, it is a very good game to improve ourselves.”

Asked if he feels expectations of his own team will be higher this season, Iraola added: “In the end, I don’t trust expectations too much.

“If you lose on the first day of the season, (people say) it is a disaster and you are going to get relegated for sure.

“In the end, the league puts you in your level. Last season I think we did very well. We managed to get the points record for the club and finished 12th, which is a very good position for us.

“But now we have to do it again.

“It is our third season as a Premier League club after promotion and we have to show again our level and see where the league puts us.

“I don’t trust too much in long-term goals, because you are going to change them as the season starts.”

Cherries host Iraola’s former club Rayo Vallecano in a friendly at Vitality Stadium next Sunday.