Iraola Expresses Disappointment Over Costly Penalty Decision

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, in comments to BBC Sport, stated, “We have to take the point. In the second half we were closer to winning than them but we couldn’t do it in the end.” Regarding the penalty decision, Iraola remarked, “We spoke with the referees before the start of the season. They gave an instruction for us not to tell players to defend with arms behind their back because it is not natural.” He recounted his query, “‘Are you sure, because I don’t want it to cost us?’ They told us it wouldn’t. First one, penalty. It was natural. Anyone who has played football knows when you run to block [the ball], you finish with one hand up and one hand down.” He further commented on refereeing, stating, “Sometimes referees make mistakes and it goes against you. You have to deal with that. This one, they explained and spent five minutes discussing it. The first time it happens, it is a penalty. Now I don’t know what they will tell us next summer.” Addressing Enes Unal’s free-kick, Iraola noted, “He is a specialist. He trains a lot and his consistency is very good. I knew it was a big chance for us.” When asked if the team’s position in the European places influenced his season’s aims, Iraola responded, “No. Right now, the position doesn’t matter. Right now, it is a good amount of points for the games we played. We go to Old Trafford [next] and know it is going to be very difficult.” A statistical highlight from the match indicates that Bournemouth’s 29 shots against West Ham represent their second-highest total in a Premier League fixture, surpassed only by the 32 shots recorded against Sheffield United in March of the previous season.