With the international break, one team would have wished the league to still be in progress.
Bournemouth have been the surprise package of the league as they sit within the top five of the table just seven games into the season.
Things didn’t just turn around for the better for Bournemouth, as they have continued in the form they were in towards the end of last season, which resulted in some of their players being sought after by the big teams, with Dean Hjulsen making the biggest move to Real Madrid.
One man has been at the forefront of this, and that is Andoni Iraola, the Bournemouth manager, who has brought dreams of a European competition with him, albeit it's still early days.
With just six matches shy of a century of games managed at Bournemouth, Iraola has managed 94 matches since he took charge in the summer of 2023, winning 39, drawing 22, and losing 34 matches with a win percentage of 41%.
His tenure at Bournemouth started poorly, as he went on a 9-match winless streak, earning only three points in those matches. Now in his third season in charge, things look to be going so well for Iraola and Bournemouth. Reflecting on his time at Bournemouth, Andoni Iraola has undergone significant changes since he joined the club.
Defensive solidity
Bournemouth's defence appears to be more organized, with fewer mistakes being made. The rate at which Bournemouth conceded goals has decreased, averaging 0.60 goals per game now compared to 2.45 goals per game when he first came on board.
This shows how Iraola has addressed Bournemouth's defensive weaknesses despite selling some of his best defensive players last season as well.
Pressing and intensity
Bournemouth now presses higher up the pitch compared to previous managers, with Iraola's style demanding a high press. They are winning more duels compared to previous managers and are more aggressive in recovering the ball. They are also winning more turnovers in dangerous areas and getting more transition opportunities. Antoine Semenyo has emerged as a key player in Bournemouth's attack this season.. They lead the league in “shot ending turnovers,” i.e, turnovers that quickly lead to shots.
Results against top teams
Bournemouth, once a team that any top side could beat, has transformed into a club capable of securing big victories against major teams, notably defeating both Arsenal and Man City last season. As their consistency improves, Bournemouth has accumulated 48 points in the 2023/24 season and 56 points in the 2024/25 season.
Game management
With late goals and comebacks becoming more frequent, Iraola is demonstrating his ability to manage games effectively and knows when to substitute players for optimal impact.. He appears open to altering momentum through tactical adjustments instead of adhering to a fixed plan.
Possession and control
Bournemouth averages 42%-43% possession, one of the lowest in the league. However, they compensate for this by being more effective at pressing and winning the ball back.
Iraola's team has also improved control in games with fewer positional errors and fewer shots faced per 90 minutes.
Attacking efficiency
Bournemouth's attacking output has improved due to increased goals from high turnovers, more direct attacks, and enhanced chance creation. They have one of the expected goals against (xGA), indicating that they are performing in line with statistical expectations regarding their defensive stability.
Bournemouth's steady climb is a reflection of structure, identity, and faith in a clear philosophy. Iraola has not just improved results, he has reshaped the club's mentality.
If this season is any indication, the foundations for long-term success are firmly in place
