REACTION: BOURNEMOUTH BOSS IRAOLA ON HISTORIC RUN AFTER WIN OVER EVERTON

AFC Bournemouth kept themselves in the battle for the top five places with a 1-0 win over Everton at the Vitality Stadium.

It means the Cherries are now unbeaten in eight games and across the festive period.

With their next four fixtures coming against Chelsea, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and Liverpool, Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola was keen to see the run continue against the title contenders.

“We had to be patient, even if we had been in control of the game and pushing them a lot,” he told BBC Match of the Day.

“We had chances, but they have very good centre-backs and goalkeeper, and we couldn’t make the difference until close to the end.

“Probably we should have scored earlier but fortunately, this time it hasn’t cost us points.”

“We are happy with the run of games, the results and the performances. I think we now play four of the next five against top five teams, who are ahead of us, so I hope we can continue with this level of performance.

“I don’t know if it is enough to beat these teams, but we will try to be competitive with the teams at the top.”