Iraola: Liverpool deserved win at Bournemouth, 1-0

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola described Sunday's 1-0 Premier League victory at Bournemouth as deserved, while admitting his side took 20-25 minutes to match the home side's intensity.

Alexander Isak scored the only goal shortly before the hour mark, converting from inside the area after Cody Gakpo beat two defenders and delivered from the right flank. The result sent Liverpool into the international break with three consecutive Premier League clean sheets.

"I think it was [deserved]," Iraola said. "I was disappointed with the first 20, 25 minutes, I think we didn't start the game with the intensity the game required. To win here is very difficult, I know it very well."

On Isak's contribution, Iraola was measured in his praise. "The striker's job is like this. He had a couple of crosses that he doesn't hit properly, one chance [he couldn't] control and this. I think he has to help us to be closer to the box, to play in the opposition half, to have meaningful possession and then, if the team is playing there, he will receive the rewards in terms of goals."

Iraola credited the defensive unit's growing cohesion for the clean-sheet run, singling out Jeremy Jacquet alongside Virgil van Dijk, Ronald Araujo and Milos Kerkez. "I think the more time - especially the defenders - they play together, I think it becomes more solid as a unit in the defensive line."

Jacquet also earned individual praise after receiving his first France international call-up. "He's still very young, he is adapting really well to the Premier League," Iraola said. "Today has been a step forward. He looked solid until the end."

Iraola warned of a demanding run ahead after the break, with Liverpool facing top-four sides, Champions League fixtures and a Carabao Cup tie against Chelsea within a compressed schedule. "This next month, after this break, it's going to be very demanding for us," he said.

Returning to his former club, Iraola also offered warm words for Bournemouth, noting the stadium improvements and predicting European nights at Vitality Stadium. "I love this club," he said. "I see that this is even growing more, you will enjoy European nights here."