ANDONI Iraola says scoring early in the second half was the “key” to Cherries’ astonishing comeback victory over Luton Town.

Cherries trailed 3-0 at Vitality Stadium, only for goals from Dominic Solanke, Illia Zabarnyi and two from Antoine Semenyo sealed a 4-3 success.

It is just the fifth time in Premier League history a club has come from 3-0 down to win, the last coming more than 20 years ago.

Reflecting on the win, which moves Cherries 14 points clear of the relegation zone, head coach Iraola said: “Obviously at the end we are very happy with the result and the performance, we enjoyed it a lot.

“In the end it is true that during the game are moments where you are struggling, three goals down, it is difficult to keep believing.

“But I think especially the players did it today.”

Asked what the message was to the players at half-time, Iraola added: “Obviously everyone knew we had to improve, we had to change some things.

“But we tried to give some positivity also, that we had done it the other day against Sheffield United.

“We were close to winning the game, from 2-0 down in the second half. Even in the first half we shot 11 times, they shot four and we were 3-0 down. It was a very bad first half, but it was not so atrocious.

“We are going to have the chances, because they are a brave team.

“They will try to keep pressing us. The key was the beginning of the second half, to score as early as possible and make everyone believe.”

Discussing some fans booing the players off at half-time, Iraola added: “It is normal, because supporters want to win games.

“If you are losing 3-0 in the first half, it is something that we have to accept.

“I think the important thing is the players showed a strong personality, because it is easy to hide when you are losing 3-0 at home and don’t ask for the ball and try the one against one and not be the protagonist.

“I think everyone tried to push. Not only the subs, everyone improved their performances. I think we finished the game really well.”

Cherries now have a gap in fixtures, next in action at home against Everton on Saturday, March 30.