Key Highlights
- AFC Bournemouth, managed by Andoni Iraola, has started the 2025/26 season strongly.
- The team has the best unbeaten run in the Premier League this season and are second in the table.
- Bournemouth’s pressing intensity is highlighted as one of their key strengths on the pitch.
- Key player Antoine Semenyo, with six goals and three assists, is a major factor in Bournemouth’s success.
Bournemouth’s Remarkable Start to the 2025/26 Season
AFC Bournemouth, managed by Andoni Iraola, has started the 2025/26 Premier League season with a flourish. They currently sit second in the table, only trailing leaders Arsenal. This is a stark contrast to their struggles during Iraola’s first season in charge when they suffered defeat against Manchester City after winning just three of their first nine matches.
The Bournemouth manager, who has taken over from Gary O’Neil in summer 2023, is making significant strides with the Cherries.
Since their opening-day loss to Liverpool, Iraola’s men have won five and drawn three games, maintaining an unbeaten record since then. This run of form is a testament to his tactical acumen and the team’s resilience.
Pressing Intensity and Defensive Efficiency
Bournemouth has been praised for its high-pressing intensity, which is evident from their low Passes per Defensive Action (PPDA) statistic. The team’s best performance was last season when they recorded the lowest PPDA in the Premier League at 9.9. This season, they maintain a commendable 9.8 PPDA after nine matches.
The effectiveness of this pressing strategy is reflected in their ability to secure high turnovers and generate shots from open play.
They rank second in the league for high turnovers (71) and fourth for shot-ending high turnovers (14). This aggressive style has helped Bournemouth stay competitive, even when trailing in games.
Key Player Performance
Antoine Semenyo is one of the standout performers this season. With six goals and three assists, he tops the Premier League in goal involvements. His contribution extends off the ball as well; he has won possession nine times in the final third, leading all players in that category.
The team also boasts a promising young talent in Junior Kroupi, who has already scored four goals in six appearances since joining from sister club Lorient. If Kroupi scores against Manchester City on Sunday, he will become just the fourth teenager to score in four consecutive Premier League games after Robbie Fowler, Nicolas Anelka, and Francis Jeffers.
Future Prospects and Challenges
Bournemouth faces a tough test when they travel to Manchester City this weekend. Although they have a strong record of results away from home (only three losses in 17 matches), their last meeting with the Citizens was not favorable, resulting in a 3-1 defeat.
Despite the challenges, Bournemouth’s recent form and tactical adaptability suggest that they could pose a significant threat to Manchester City. Their unbeaten start and pressing intensity have already earned them respect within the league. If they can maintain this level of performance, it might not be long before they are considered genuine title contenders.
For now, Bournemouth’s journey under Iraola shows that with strategic management and a robust tactical approach, even teams facing personnel changes can achieve remarkable results in the Premier League.
