AFC Bournemouth fans were left purring after witnessing a confident and composed thrashing of third-placed Nottingham Forest, as they put five past their visitors for Forest's first defeat in eight league games.
A superb second half hat-trick from Dango Ouattara and goals from both Justin Kluivert and Antoine Semenyo led the Cherries to a famous victory, which puts them on 40 points after 23 games and in sixth position in the Premier League.
Speaking shortly after the game, Bournemouth head coach, Andoni Iraola, was asked a host of questions relating to his team’s performance and season expectations.
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Ouattara: Bournemouth’s goal machine
When asked about his new star ‘striker’ Dango Ouattara, Iraola highlighted his versatility and impact and how he continues to thrive in his temporary role as a number nine, scoring a brilliant hat-trick.
Praising the Burkinabè forward, Iraola remarked, “I think he has been very good in all four games he has played as a number nine.
"He has the goals, but he’s been a threat even coming in behind, helping with the link-up play. It’s good for him because we can use him in many different positions, and he has chances to score.”
Ouattara, typically a winger, has stepped up amid Bournemouth’s striker injury crisis, proving his adaptability and composure under pressure.
Iraola pointed out how Ouattara’s blend of pace, strength, and intelligence has made him an effective forward option.
“He’s shown he can use his qualities in this role and the way he reads the game and gets into scoring positions has been outstanding,” said Iraola.
With five goals in his last four games, Ouattara has embraced the challenge and delivered for his team.
Iraola’s trust has paid off, and Outtara's continued performances as a makeshift striker are becoming a key storyline in Bournemouth’s impressive campaign.
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Iraola praises his side
Bournemouth’s injury woes have been well-documented in recent weeks and their ability to turn out top performances amidst the problems facing them and the kind of opposition they have had to play in recent weeks, has led to high praise.
Post-match, Iraola was keen to do the same saying, “It was a great result”.
“We knew that we were facing a very good team that is on a very good run, so to score first was key because in their last games they were winning in the first halves, so the goal from Justin [Kluivert] was important as it made the game better for us”.
Kluivert opened the scoring for the Cherries early in the game, striking a long-range effort after carrying the ball from his own half unchallenged.
Discussing the opener, Iraola said:“Yes, I think it was a lovely transition for the goal.”
“He has the option to use his teammates on either side of him but he decided to shoot and it was a lovely finish and I’m very happy for him”.
This was the Dutchman’s sixth goal in the last four games, in which he has managed to score in all four, stepping up to the plate for his side when it matters most.
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Expectations managed for European hopes
Iraola was keen to manage expectations regarding Bournemouth’s European ambitions, despite their impressive form and current Europa League positioning.
With the Cherries just one point off the Champions League places, fans may be dreaming of a historic finish.
However, Iraola urged caution and emphasised staying focused on the task at hand.
“We are not going to change,” Iraola stated.
“We will take each game on a game-by-game basis and we play Liverpool next week, and hopefully, we can recover someone for the next game and become stronger.”
“There are many games still left to play, and we won’t change the approach we are taking.”
Bournemouth’s victory over Nottingham Forest has sparked dreams of an unprecedented European finish, but Iraola’s pragmatic approach remains vital to their continued success.
The Cherries’ incredible form, driven by standout performances from players like Ouattara and Kluivert, positions them as serious contenders in the Premier League.
However, Iraola’s insistence on maintaining focus and taking things “game by game” highlights his grounded leadership.
With their sights set high, Bournemouth’s potential to secure European football is no longer just a dream but a tangible, thrilling possibility.
