AFC Bournemouth picked up their first Premier League victory of the season with a 2-1 win over relegation rivals Burnley at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday.
The longest VAR check ever denied Jay Rodriguez a late equaliser, but the five minute wait didn’t bother under-pressure Cherries manager Andoni Iraola, who said: “Take your time, but make the (correct) decision.”
Charlie Taylor put the Clarets ahead early on before Antoine Semenyo equalised half way through the first half.
Philip Billing then scored the winner in the 76th minute with a fantastic lob over James Trafford, which moved the hosts above their opponents in the table and out of the relegation zone.
With Bournemouth owner Bill Foley in attendance, there was perhaps even more pressure on Iraola to make sure his side put in a good performance and got the three points.
After going 1-0 down just 11 minutes in, Iraola must have been fearing the worst, and hoping the fans wouldn’t turn on him and the team.
However, they got behind the players and in the words of the Cherries boss: “They helped massively to get the result, they were part of the journey in this game. The players and the fans deserved, because after conceding so early, I think everyone stood together.”
The Spaniard’s name was being sung in the stands at the end of the game. “It’s a nice feeling, they were amazing, not just today, but we were talking about how good they’ve been yesterday as well.”
Cherries fan Claire Doyle said: “I was nervous before the game and especially after going 1-0 down, but fair play to Iraola and the players for coming back.
“I’m still not convinced but I’m going to get behind him.”
Bournemouth fan of 51 years, Matt Yates said: “I’ve backed him ever since he came in because of his reputation in Spain. I would’ve been slightly worried for him if we lost today, but luckily we played well and got the win.”
The Dorset side play Man City away next week.
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