CHERRIES boss Andoni Iraola stated he was happy overall with his side’s performance in the 3-1 defeat to Liverpool.

A dream start for Iraola and Co. via Antoine Semenyo’s third-minute opener faded as Liverpool responded via Luis Diaz and Mo Salah before the break, the hosts sealing the result midway through the second period thanks to Diogo Jota.

Jaidon Anthony also saw an even earlier goal ruled out for offside, Cherries unsettling Liverpool to start the fixture.

Discussing the game, Iraola told the Daily Echo: “I think we started really well.

“We had the disallowed goal, the goal we scored, and other good chances.

“But after they pushed, we had to defend lower.

“I think we did pretty well during the first half because they were putting a lot of pressure.

“Overall, I was happy with the performance.”

The game was not without its controversial moments, Liverpool’s second a converted rebound from a contentious penalty awarded when Joe Rothwell was deemed to have tripped Dominik Szoboszlai just inside the area.

Neto did well to save Salah’s strike from the spot, only for the parry to fall kindly for the Egyptian to smash home and put Liverpool into the lead for the first time on the afternoon.

Even Anthony’s strike that was chalked off for offside could have arguably stood, Trent Alexander-Arnold's mistouch potentially counting as a new phase of play.

Goalkeeper Alisson only saw yellow despite clattering into Anthony in another debated call, whilst Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister was harshly dismissed for kicking Ryan Christie in a late challenge.

“Probably in these kind of games, you need something, some moments to go your way,” Iraola continued.

“And there were key things that took us far from the points, especially the penalty.

“We were competing and this penalty was important for them.

“And after, when they were with 10, just straight away next play, I think they score.

“And we had the chances at the end, but we were far from the game.”