Andoni Iraola admits Bournemouth ‘paid for slow start’ in Sunderland stalemate

Iraola appeared far from happy after the game, saying his team did not do enough to merit a victory.

“I don’t think it’s a great point for us,” the Cherries boss told TNT Sports.

“I think playing at home we were probably closest to scoring the three points but I think we don’t deserve them because we had to pay for our slow start.

“We started really slow and that’s happening to us lately. Sometimes we are not paying the consequences but today we did. We were able to rescue one point but not the three.”

By contrast, Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris was pleased by the result, after his side ended a run of three-straight top-flight defeats.

“It’s a good point because here [Bournemouth] is a tough place,” he said

“They have a clear identity, intensity, so it’s hard. We tested today the mentality and the character of the squad and we reacted well after a tough run. It was important to show this character and the point is important for us.

“After three defeats it’s not easy to react and for a newly promoted side, the confidence is always a topic.

“We worked this week on that idea, that we had to show intensity and match the way they drive their duels.

“Maybe we didn’t seize our key moments in the second half but at the end our togetherness was strong.”

Next up for Sunderland is a trip to Leeds United on Tuesday, while Bournemouth host high-flying Brentford.