Iraola delighted by 'perfect' Ouattara strike
The Guardian|December 30, 2024
Andoni Iraola lauded Dango Ouattara's impact off the bench as he came on to score an 89th-minute equaliser in Bournemouth's draw with Fulham.
Reuben Rosso-Powell
Iraola delighted by 'perfect' Ouattara strike

After Raúl Jiménez scored his sixth Premier League goal of the season, Evanilson struck early in the second half to level proceedings.

Harry Wilson's header marked his second in as many matches before Ouattara's deft chip over the Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno in the final minutes left both sides with a point at Craven Cottage.

"I think he made the perfect decision. He's someone who has chances and arrives in the last third," Iraola said when asked about Ouattara's leveller. "Today coming from the bench and feeling fresh, his mind was clear and he made the right decision with a good finish.

"I'm very proud of the team and the players, we had a hell of an effort. Everyone who was healthy made a big effort and we did not deserve to lose the game because we had better chances than Fulham."

The decision of the referee, Robert Jones, to blow the whistle for a foul led to James Hill's headed goal from a corner being chalked off. On second glance, it appeared any contact with Joachim Andersen was light, but VAR was not in a position to intervene as the whistle had been blown before the ball was in the net.

This story is from the December 30, 2024 edition of The Guardian.

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This story is from the December 30, 2024 edition of The Guardian.

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