The Radar column looks at how Rodrigo Muniz is preventing Armando Broja from playing for Fulham, Bournemouth’s chances of upset-winning against Man City, and the underappreciated player who could help Oliver Glasner turn Crystal Palace around.
Iraola needs to learn from Man City.
The last time Bournemouth and Manchester City faced off, Pep Guardiola’s team prevailed 6-1, and Andoni Iraola learned a valuable lesson about sticking to his values.
In his press conference after the game, the Bournemouth manager stated, “We thought we could defend low.” “We made the decision to be less aggressive and to not press as hard. However, it was a poor choice.”
When the two teams clash again, there doesn’t seem to be much chance that Iraola will fall into the same trap. Not least because, despite having won 11 of their last 12 games in all competitions, City is showing signs of weakness.
Guardiola’s team has given up more quick breaks to their opponents (eight) in their last three Premier League games—the thrilling 1-1 draw with Chelsea and the late victories over Everton and Brentford—than they had in the 22 games prior to that.
Their offensive prowess is unwavering, however there are more and more opportunities to take advantage of on either side of Rodri during the brief intervals when their attacks falter and the ball is turned over.
It is encouraging for a team that has emerged as one of the most potent counterattacking teams in the Premier League under Iraola. Opta reports that Bournemouth is second only to Wolves in the league this season with 27 shots from fast breaks.
They were unfortunate not to win the game against Newcastle last Saturday, but the raking attack that allowed Antoine Semenyo to score their second served as a reminder of that potency.
The goal was characteristic of an Iraola club, a preferred assault style he described while still at Rayo Vallecano last year. It entailed the ball traveling from Bournemouth’s half to the final third in a couple of seconds after a turnover.
“I think we have to take risks when we regain,” he stated. “This’security pass,’ as they call it, to start constructing from the back and play with the keeper, is not something I appreciate. Though it isn’t what makes us unique, you have to do it occasionally. When we attack quickly, we are dangerous.”
