Despite winning 2-0 against Stoke City, Bournemouth manager, Andoni Iraola wasn’t happy with his side’s intensity.
A slow start to the game saw the half-time whistle come with few chances.
Nine shots in the first 45 minutes, with just two of those on target. One Milos Kerkez strike was from well out.
The second half was different as Dominic Solanke was introduced by Iraola at the break.
It took just six minutes for the hosts to take the lead. The striker latched onto a cross off a quickly taken free kick to tap in.
Three minutes later it was two as Joe Rothwell’s cross-come shot came through the crowd and past the keeper.
That is how it stayed as Iraola’s side saw out the result.
What has Andoni Iraola said after Stoke City?
Even though his side won, there were still areas of improvement for the Spaniard to focus on.
There were similar complaints last time the Cherries played in the EFL Cup.
This was picked up on by the coach: “It’s true that similar to Swansea, I think we were slow to start the game.
“I think we didn’t have this sense of urgency that you need, especially when you play at home and you are the Premier League side.”
The first half was slow and there were plenty of potshots and blocked efforts, with those the only talking points.
On that point, Iraola said: “Almost anything didn’t happen in the first half.
“We were slow even, throw-ins, taking the free kicks. We needed a change of energy.”
With that being said, eight changes were made from last time out so a slow start wasn’t surprising necessarily.
Discussing the team, he said: “It’s true that we made a lot of changes in the starting 11.
“Sometimes it’s difficult to know when the players have been without starting for some period and you make so many changes.”
The Cherries drew Liverpool in the next round and will need to be on top form to get a result.
On his side’s performances, he added: “I think we are better especially against Championship teams when we put a higher rhythm, higher intensity when things are happening during the games.
“And it’s what we’ve done in the second half.”
A win and hopefully some good form that can be carried forward into the Premier League.