Bournemouth

Josh Lobley
BBC Sport Researcher

Andoni Iraola has been speaking to the media before Bournemouth host Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday.

Here are the main lines from his news conference:

• On player availability: “Lloyd Kelly will play tomorrow. He has been involved in training normally so we have no concerns about this. We’ve recovered Lloyd, Tyler Adams and Marcus Tavernier will also be part of the squad."

• Iraola had doubts on if Chris Mepham's season is over or not: "He has improved, I've talked to him and he's feeling better. The season is finishing in seven or eight days so I don't know if he will be ready for the last game. He's improving and this is the most important thing."

• On being nominated for the Premier League manager of the season award alongside names Like Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta: "For me they are on a different level. They are fighting for titles and Champions Leagues, they have shown more things than me. It was one of the reasons I came here, to play against them and improve as a manager."

• More on his nomination: "It's good for me and I'm also happy for the club to receive this kind of recognition. It's not about the nomination, it's about the season. I've enjoyed it. Normally as a manager, enjoying a season doesn't happen a lot but I've been enjoying it with the players. They are the ones that deserve some recognition."

• On his opponents: "They are a very good team. It's going to be difficult. We are two teams that are not so different. They are also a pressing team and prepare set plays very well. Their transitions are very good. It's going to be difficult to impose our game, and the same for them."

• When asked about both club's strikers Dominic Solanke and Ivan Toney: "I think they are different. Toney is more like a number nine playing around the box, he's a very good finisher and gifted technically. Dom is very good technically, he loves to attack the spaces outside more. Dom could also play very well with another attacker, he has the technical ability to play deeper. They are both very good."

Image source, Getty Images

Nominees for the Premier League's manager of the season have been revealed:

• Mikel Arteta - Arsenal

• Pep Guardiola - Manchester City

• Jurgen Klopp - Liverpool

• Unai Emery - Aston Villa

• Andoni Iraola - Bournemouth

Voting is open now on the official Premier League website, external with the winner to be announced on Tuesday, 21 May.

Here are the key facts and figures before Saturday's game between Bournemouth and Brentford in the Premier League.

• Bournemouth are without a win in their past six league games against Brentford since a 1-0 win in the Championship in August 2014.

• Brentford have won their final away league game in each of the past three seasons and scored three goals each time – 3-1 v Bristol City in 2020-21, 3-2 v Everton in 2021-22 and 3-1 v Tottenham last season.

• Bournemouth have lost their final home league match in three of the past four seasons. They had only lost their final home game in three of the previous 33 campaigns before this.

• Brentford’s past two Premier League games have been a one-nil defeat by Everton and a 0-0 draw with Fulham. They have not failed to score in three or more consecutive league games since a run of four in March and April 2019.

• Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke has opened the scoring in nine different Premier League games so far this season - more than any other player. His goals have also been worth a league-high 15 points for the Cherries this term.

• Ivan Toney has failed to score in any of his past 10 Premier League games for Brentford. Only in his first 11 Football League appearances for Northampton in 2013-14 has he failed to find the net in more consecutive league games for a single team.

Mark Mitchener
BBC Sport Senior Journalist

As Bournemouth's season winds towards its close, Arsenal became the latest team to do a seasonal 'double' over the Cherries - joining Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham - leaving December's hard-fought 2-2 draw against Aston Villa as the only league point the Dorset side have taken off a top-five team this season.

A lot has been written about the perceived harsh treatment from the officials, both on-field and at Stockley Park, during Saturday's game at Emirates Stadium.

It is safe to say that - when onlookers as firmly entrenched in Arsenal's corner as Ian Wright and Piers Morgan were tweeting that the penalty won by Kai Havertz should not have been given, with Wright adding that Bournemouth's disallowed goal "should have stood" - Cherries followers can feel a little hard done by.

A more level playing field is anticipated this Saturday when Bournemouth host Brentford – their fourth most frequent league opponents in their history – in a match which was a League Two fixture as recently as 2009.

Whilst the men's team's rise through the divisions since then has received many fanfares, Bournemouth's women deserve time in the spotlight after their astonishing season finished on Sunday.

Having risen from the ninth tier to the fourth tier of the women's football pyramid in less than a decade, the Cherries play in the FA Women's National League Division One South West.

They were locked in battle with Exeter City all season – to the extent that both sides were unbeaten when they met at Exeter on Sunday for a winner-takes-all game to decide the single promotion place.

Bournemouth finished the season with 19 wins, three draws, zero defeats and over 100 goals in 22 games. Their total of 60 points would have been enough to win any of the other three divisions at that level, but a 1-1 draw allowed Exeter to keep their noses in front and seal promotion.

The Cherries' challenge – and that of the men's team who are bidding for a top-half Premier League finish – is to be even better next season.

Or, as club owner Bill Foley would say: "Always advance, never retreat".

Newcastle United have reached an agreement to sign 25-year-old Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly. (Foot Mercado - in French), external

Want more transfer news? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Sam Davis
Fan writer

This weekend Bournemouth were outclassed, yet fans left Emirates Stadium feeling outraged.

It was clear to see that Arsenal were imperious. They were superior in every department, and the result against the Cherries did not flatter them. They dominated us, their xG was better and they created way more chances.

However, two decisions at the weekend frustrated Bournemouth supporters - and even raised the eyebrows of Gooners.

A disallowed goal for the Cherries and a penalty gifted after a 'challenge' which was unnaturally initiated by Kai Havertz proved to be the talking points of yet another poor weekend for VAR and the PGMOL.

Of course, there was also a decision that went Bournemouth's way - a Ryan Christie challenge that could, on another day, have produced a red card - so we understand why Arsenal fans would be infuriated too.

But this just underlines the inconsistencies we are all seeing week in, week out in what is meant to be the "best in league in the world".

Broadcasters think it is not working, the fans think it is awful, ex-referees and players also seem to realise it is not fit for purpose. Never has a product been so broadly criticised yet stubbornly persevered with.

No doubt we will hear that lessons will be learned and that the process and decision-making will improve as a result of yet more mistakes. But face it, the subjective side of VAR negates the point of its existence.

Shall we just let the referees referee?

Sam Davis can be found at Back of the Net, external

We asked for your reaction to Saturday's match between Arsenal and Bournemouth.

Here are some of your answers:

Arsenal fans

Ian: The atmosphere at Emirates Stadium is becoming a 12th player - all season long the crowd has lifted the players. The game at times was on a knife edge because the ball just wouldn't smash the back of the net, but this season Arsenal have showed resilience not just at the start, but throughout games. Whether we win the league or not, this has been a fantastic season.

Bob: I was at the game and I thought it was one of the most controlled and dominant performances by Arsenal. There was no serious threat from Bournemouth in the first half and only fleeting moments in the second. Arsenal’s control and skills were on full show including fighting for the ball and snuffing out any opposition attacks. Fabulous on the ball.

Toby: Harsh penalty decision on Bournemouth. Dominic Solanke had no eyes for the ball for the disallowed goal. Arsenal look tired, but luck seems to be with us. And Declan Rice too. Looked out on his feet but still managed a run from inside his own half in the 97th minute. I want whatever he's having!

Davey: Doing all they have to do and doing it well. Great performance under what must have been stressful conditions. Full of admiration for Bournemouth - came to do a job and never gave up. Wish other teams would do the same in this title race.

Bournemouth fans

Lee: Couldn't believe the ridiculous penalty. Aren't goalies allowed in the area now? Havertz was dragging his foot anyway. Bournemouth were the victims of a flawed system that possibly has its favourites. The Bournemouth goal that was ruled out also should have stood.

Tom: They were cheated with that penalty decision.

Shaun: A good result for the Premier League run-in. Arsenal have a great team but we were on the wrong end of two very debatable decisions. It always seems to be the case with the smaller clubs. Nonetheless, very excited about our prospects for next season.

Simon: Score flattered Arsenal. Battery onslaught in the first half but we showed great commitment to defend and block the ball. It could have been avoided by simply playing higher up the pitch and getting rid off too many short passes at the back as that led to constant loss of possession with Arsenal’s high pressing. In the second half, it was a much better attacking performance. The VAR was also very poor.

Gary Lineker introduces highlights and analysis from Friday and Saturday's six Premier League fixtures.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up on the action on BBC iPlayer here.

And you can watch highlights of Sunday's games on Match of the Day 2 here.

Listen back to Saturday's BBC Radio 5 Live match commentaries in full:

• Burnley v Newcastle United

• Manchester City v Wolves

Image source, Getty Images

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "Arsenal deserved to win, they were better in the fiurst half and pushed us a lot.

"We were not happy with the first half performance.

"We didn't want to concede so much space because that's where they are comfortable but sometimes the opposition doesn't let you play how you want.

"We talked at half time and knew it would be a matter of time until we got into it. We were better in the second half, the Bournemouth we've been all season but we couldn't turn it around."

On Arsenal's penalty: "I think it's not a penalty, [Kai] Havertz tries to find the contact. Probably VAR thinks there is contact but it's not clear and obvious and they don't overturn it."

On Bournemouth's disallowed goal: "This is much more clear for me.

"There are two chances. You can call a penalty to Philip Billing or give the goal.

"You can't give the foul on the goalkeeper. The foul on the goalkeeper is much softer than the pull on Billing.

"They were better than us but I don't think the game should have gone like this. It's key moments, just before half time [when they got a penalty] and they when we could have got the game to 2-1."

On enjoying a strong finish: "I'm not thinking of next season we just want to finish as high as we can.

"It has been a good season and we want to finish with good performances and enjoy the games. We have to try and do it against Brentford next week."

• Arsenal have won 14 of their 16 Premier League games in 2024 (D1 L1), scoring 51 goals and conceding just eight. They have also won the most points since the turn of the year (43).

• With two games to spare, Arsenal have equalled their Premier League win tally from last season (26). Only in 1930-31 (28) and 1970-71 (29) have the Gunners won more games in a single top-flight campaign.

• Bournemouth have lost all 11 of their Premier League games against sides starting the day top of the table - the worst 100% loss rate against such opposition in the competition’s history.

• Bukayo Saka became the first player to score 20 goals for Arsenal in a season in all competitions since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in 2019-20 (29 goals) and the first Englishman to do so for the club since Theo Walcott in 2012-13 (21 goals).

• David Raya has kept 15 clean sheets in the Premier League this season - only Petr Cech (16 in 2015-16) has kept more in his debut Premier League campaign for the Gunners (David Seaman in 1992-93 & Jens Lehmann in 2003-04 both also kept 15 clean sheets each).

• Arsenal have gone on to win all 17 of their Premier League games this season when they’ve been ahead at half time - the only side to do so in 2023-24.

Arsenal cruised past Bournemouth to go four points clear at the top of the Premier League before Saturday's later games.

The Gunners dominated the opening 45 minutes and took the lead just before half-time from the penalty spot.

Kai Havertz was brought down by Bournemouth goalkeeper Mark Travers and Bukayo Saka coolly rolled the ball into the net from the resulting spot-kick.

Arsenal doubled their lead in the 70th minute when Declan Rice won the ball on the edge of the box and teed up Leandro Trossard, who curled the ball home from inside the area, before Rice scored in added time to boost the Gunners' goal difference.

Bournemouth threatened a lot more in the second period and Dominic Solanke forced David Raya into a save in the second half before Justin Kluivert flashed a shot wide.

The Cherries thought they had pulled a goal back through Antoine Semenyo but his strike was ruled out for a foul on David Raya by Solanke in the build up.

Arsenal centre-back Gabriel also had a goal ruled out late on for offside after he smashed a volley into the top corner.

The victory means Arsenal are clear at the top but their four-point lead may only last a few hours as title rivals Manchester City play later this afternoon.

Were you at the match or did you follow it from elsewhere?

Arsenal fans - let us know your thoughts on the game here

How did you rate the side's performance, Bournemouth fans?

Follow all of the reaction here

Chris Sutton is making predictions for every Premier League game this season against a variety of guests.

For this weekend's matches, he takes on Kings of Leon drummer Nathan Followill.

Sutton's prediction: 3-1

Bournemouth are finishing the season strongly, and have already surpassed their record points tally for a Premier League season.

That's especially impressive when you remember they did not win their first league game until 28 October, but Andoni Iraola has turned everything round and has proved me wrong because I thought he was out of his depth at first.

I can't look past an Arsenal win here, though, with what is at stake for them in the title race. They cannot afford to slip up, and they won't.

Nathan's prediction: 3-1

Read all of the predictions here

There are five Premier League matches taking place today and we will keep you updated on all of them.

Full commentary:

• Burnley v Newcastle, 15:00 - BBC Radio 5 Live

• Man City v Wolves, 17:30 - BBC Radio 5 Live

Follow all of the action and reaction here

Image source, Getty Images

Former Premier League defender Nedum Onuoha spoke to the BBC's Planet Premier League podcast about Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola's impressive debut season in charge of the Cherries:

"With a new manager, a new message and new players, time is something that is needed. They play with confidence and a real identity. They'rea good match-up for anyone.

"They're not anywhere near one of the biggest clubs so for them to be sitting mid-table, it's incredibly impressive and credit to Iraola."

Former Premier League midfielder Cesc Fabregas added: "I remember I went to see [Radamel] Falcao one day in Madrid and he told me to come and watch a training session [with Iraola's Rayo Vallecano side]. I went there and I really liked it. I really liked the session, I saw exactly what he's trying to do.

"He communicates really well with the players. He has a really good structure. I liked the setup of the training session, the format in which he builds it from a lower intensity to a higher one, and the concept that he was giving to the players.

"It was the first time that I started hearing good things about Iraola and I'm not surprised where he is because you can see the style is very clear.

"It's the patience that we always talk about that they gave to Mikel [Arteta, at Arsenal]. For me if you really believe in it and you give the right players to the manager, most of the time it will pay off. I'm happy that it's happening at Bournemouth."

Listen to the full episode here

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has spoken to BBC Radio Solent before Saturday's Premier League game at Arsenal.

Here are the main lines from his news conference:

• Iraola was very "pleased" with Antoine Semenyo's return to the squad in time for the trip to the Emirates Stadium. "It's a huge boost for us because he's a very important player for both the end of this season and the start of the next one." Semenyo was injured during the Cherrie's 3-0 win over Brighton.

• Illia Zabarnyi is available after missing the Brighton win due to illness and Romain Faivre could also return, as could Philip Billing.

• However, Marcus Tavernier, Tyler Adams, Luis Sinisterra and Chris Mepham all remain out.

• On Mark Travers keeping two clean sheets in a row: "He has played very good when demanded which isn't a surprise because he is training very well and is pushing for minutes the same way Neto is."

• On league leaders Arsenal: "I don't know if this is the most difficult challenge that we have faced this season but it is a difficult game because they are playing so well. I don't think we have gained any points at the Emirates, so we are expecting a really demanding game but if we give our best, we won't make it easy for Arsenal."

Follow the latest Premier League news conferences and build-up to weekend's fixtures

Look at the start Andoni Iraola had at Bournemouth - he was almost getting sacked! They had had a poor performance against Everton and then they lost at home to Gary O’Neil's Wolves.

If you take the start out of, it it has been incredible. Since the beginning of November, over the past 25 games, they are fifth in the form table behind Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool and Aston Villa.

He got hold of the squad and was able to bring some of his own players into it and build. It has been amazing and it shows how good they are.

I was impressed by the club and the chief executive for holding on to him. And also by Iraola for holding his nerve and continuing to believe in his system and set-up.

The recruitment was to play in a system that Iraola likes. That is attacking, front footed and high press wherever possible. They were squeaking at times because Premier League survival is so important, but you look at the return now and it is amazing.

They are already looking at plans for next season, for recruitment and being as proactive as possible. That is a good sign.

We have to be cautious where he can take them next. It has been an unbelievable finish and if they can end up anywhere around the middle of the table next year, it will also be another incredible season.

There is talk around whether they can go and compete for Europe next season. I would still say we have to slow down on that.

Michael Brown was speaking to BBC Sport's Nicola Pearson

Here are the key facts and figures before Saturday's game between Arsenal and Bournemouth in the Premier League.

• Arsenal have won all six of their home Premier League matches against Bournemouth. The Gunners have only played more home games against Stoke while maintaining a 100% record (10/10).

• Bournemouth have only picked up five points in 13 Premier League matches against Arsenal and have never kept a clean sheet against the Gunners. The Cherries have only played more games against Manchester City (14) without recording a shutout.

• Arsenal have scored a league-high 85 goals in their 35 Premier League games this season - with their average of 2.4 goals-per-game their highest across a single campaign since 1934-35, when they scored 115 goals in 42 matches (2.7 per game).

• Since Bournemouth picked up their first Premier League win of the season at the end of October (v Burnley), they have picked up 45 points in 26 matches (W13 D6 L7); only the current top four sides have more in this time. They have never won more matches in a top-flight campaign than their 13 in 2023-24 (also 13 in 2018-19).

• Bournemouth's Justin Kluivert has registered as many goal involvements in his past six Premier League games (four - three goals, one assist) as he had in his first 23 in the competition (four goals).

Tottenham have eyes on Bournemouth's English defender Lloyd Kelly, 25. (Telegraph - subscription required), external

Want more transfer news? Read Thursday's gossip column

Mark Mitchener
BBC Sport journalist

It is difficult to add to the superlatives that have been laid at Bournemouth's door, and that of head coach Andoni Iraola, after back-to-back wins over Wolves and Brighton helped them smash through their long-held target of beating their record Premier League points tally.

While Eddie Howe's accomplishments render him worthy of having a statue built when the Cherries eventually move to a new stadium, his best haul in five top-flight seasons was 46 in 2016-17.

Iraola's side already have 48 points, with three games still to play.

And while Saturday's visit to title contenders Arsenal looks like a "free swing" where anything Bournemouth bring back is a bonus, finishing the season with Brentford (home) and Chelsea (away) give opportunities for the half-century mark to be reached, or even surpassed.

It may be greedy to point out that the Cherries could finish tantalisingly close to qualifying for European football next season now that the fiendish nature of Uefa coefficients suggest that only seventh, rather than eighth place, will be enough.

However, Sunday's opponents Brighton gave the appearance of a side devastated by injuries and drained after a punishing Europa League fixture schedule - although, it should be pointed out, the Seagulls still had the experienced Danny Welbeck and Adam Lallana, and Barcelona loanee Ansu Fati available as substitutes, even if the latter two remained on the bench throughout.

A look at Bournemouth's bench in the same game shows how stretched their squad already is - including two goalkeepers, only three outfield players with Premier League experience and four untried development squad players making up the numbers.

Winger Antoine Semenyo was carried off on a stretcher with what looked like a serious knee injury in stoppage time, although he left the ground on crutches rather than in an ambulance.

So while Iraola will be keen to extend his record points tally further, he will also be hoping to reach the finish line without losing any more key players.