Iraola: Bournemouth ´couldn´t make difference in final third´ during Palace stalemate

Andoni Iraola conceded Bournemouth “couldn’t make the difference in the final third” during their goalless draw with Crystal Palace.

The Cherries were denied a fifth victory in six matches, despite carrying the greater attacking threat for long periods at the Vitality Stadium.

Bournemouth registered 18 shots with an xG of 1.19, but just four were on target, with Evanilson, Philip Billing and Antoine Semenyo sending their best opportunities wide.

Iraola acknowledged his side were lacking a cutting edge in the final third.

“We have to value a point, but it’s true that we wanted more,” he told Amazon Prime. “We knew the game was going to be quite level, but it’s a team that’s very good in possession.

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“It’s difficult to press them because they are very good technically on the ball. We couldn’t make the difference in the final third.

“I think it’s costing us in some games where we aren’t making the right decisions at the end. You need to spend half a second to keep a little more composure and make the right decision.”

Meanwhile, Palace boss Oliver Glasner saluted his side’s defensive efforts, as they held on for only a second clean sheet in 10 matches.

“We expected the game to be how it was. Very intense, many duels. They were playing very straight in behind, having a lot of pace,” he said.

“I think we defended really well. We were very focused and concentrated, especially on the long balls in behind. We struggled a little bit in the first half with the set-plays, and we knew it was a little bit different.

“Usually, they deliver to the near post. This time, they delivered all the corners to the far post, blocking our players. We made some adjustments in the second half, and then it wasn’t a problem any more. This is a good point.”