ANDONI Iraola admitted that Cherries’ heavy defeat at home to Arsenal was the worst performance of his tenure, sharing how he felt it was the first time his side were not at the required level.

Cherries struggled to pose any threat nor put up any resistance to the Gunners, who cruised to a 4-0 win at Vitality Stadium on Saturday afternoon courtesy of goals from Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, and Ben White.

Defeat for Cherries sees them drop into the Premier League’s bottom three for the first time this term, Iraola’s side winless in seven top-flight fixtures.

Ryan Christie’s first-half snapshot that was held by David Raya in the Arsenal goal was the only accurate effort from the hosts, with all their other attempts either sent wide or blocked by a resolute Gunners defence.

“I think it's the first time I felt like we were not at the level that the competition required and we didn't finish well the game.

“When I took (off a) midfielder we finished with two forwards.

“It was not a lot of time, but we finish even worse than we were doing.

“And it is true that is probably for sure the game with the worst sensation.”

With the game still in the balance during the first period, both Dominic Solanke and Philip Billing entered the area in dangerous fashion.

However, both players saw their eventual efforts blocked by a persistent Gabriel for Arsenal, with Iraola admitting that perhaps his charges would be better suited trying their luck sooner rather than later.

Asked if he felt his charges should be getting shots off quicker inside the area, Iraola responded: “Yes. I think (against Arsenal) especially, I remember actions in the first half where we had the chance to shoot.

“It's true that they were blocking, they had the players covering, and especially I remember a couple from Gabriel, very good defensive actions.

“But they were real, real chances for us. But I couldn’t even remember one save that Raya has made at the end.

“But we didn't even make them create these saves.”

So far this term, Cherries have attempted 83 shots, the 14th most in the division. They have scored just five league goals, the joint-second least in the top flight.

Cherries travel to lowly Everton next weekend, with the Toffees yet to win at home in the Premier League this term.

Sean Dyche’s men were beaten at Goodison Park by Luton Town, the Hatters’ first win of the campaign leapfrogging them above Cherries.