ANDONI Iraola is well aware of Cherries' set-piece woes, and insists he is placing big importance on improving them this season.

No club in the Premier League conceded more goals (21) from set-pieces than Cherries last season.

The issue became apparent again on Tuesday night, Iraola's men seeing a 2-0 lead slip away in a friendly at Southampton, Shea Charles and Stuart Armstrong benefiting from the visitors' sloppy defending from wide free-kicks.

David Brooks struck late to secure a 3-2 victory for Cherries.

Reflecting on the goals conceded at St Mary's, Iraola told the Daily Echo: "It is something we know from the beginning that we have to improve.

"Maybe it is good that it happens now and not in three weeks!

"But no, it is something that even if you are playing well, like we were in the first half, it can cost you points.

"And at the end of the season, if you are good at set-pieces, defensively and offensively, there are a lot of points there and probably positions you can earn or lose."