AFC BOURNEMOUTH’S Kepa Arrizabalaga hailed a fantastic afternoon for the club in defeating Arsenal and praised ‘one of the best’ Andoni Iraola.

The Cherries stopper, who is on loan from Chelsea, kept his first clean sheet for the club as they kept Arsenal at bay, winning 2-0 thanks to goals from Ryan Christie and Justin Kluivert.

Kepa said the Gunners clash was a massive game for the Cherries, and the three points were very important, ahead of a tough run of games.

Asked if the absences of Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard gave the Bournemouth side more belief that they could get something from the game, Kepa said: “Obviously they are two top players.

(Image: Richard Crease) “But Arsenal, they have a bigger squad, they’re used to playing every three days.

“So we expected a very strong side.

“It was like this, obviously the red card changed a little bit the game and we had more control, more ball and we could create more chances, so at least play more in the other half.”

Moments before Christie’s opening goal, Kepa made a big save from Gabriel Martinelli to keep the game at 0-0.

On his own role in the game, the Spaniard said: “I mean, just trying to give the team my best.

“Everybody, we push in the same direction. I think we have like a very young team but with a lot of energy and we come to show it in the best way.”

(Image: Richard Crease) The 30-year-old praised the ‘fantastic’ Dean Court crowd, adding that picking up points at home was important in amongst a tough run of games.

On the influence of Andoni Iraola, with both from the Basque country, Kepa said: “I think he's one of the best coaches in the league.

“I think this is the best league, the strongest one you have. [There’s a] mix of coaches, mix of styles.

“But I think the team is very in line with what the coach wants. So, I think it's good for us to have a manager, a leader like him.”

He said he was ‘very proud’ to be part of the Bournemouth team.

“We have energy, we have decided we want to attack, we want to defend together.

(Image: Richard Crease) “I think for people who came today to watch the game, it's beautiful to have a team that shows this spirit and wants to attack all time.”

Kepa emphasised the importance of being strong at both ends of the pitch when up against top sides like Arsenal.

“I think when you play, especially teams like Arsenal or teams high on the table, you have to be very good in both boxes,” he said. “You have to take chances that you get. We had a few and we take it and then you have to defend well your box.

“It's so important. And from there you can build something brilliant.”