‘I think’… Andoni Iraola names the three best teams in the Premier League after Liverpool defeat

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Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has now named Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool as the best three teams in the Premier League.

Following tonight’s loss against Liverpool, Iraola hasn’t picked up a single point against Mikel Arteta, Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp this season.

And whilst that’s understandable given Bournemouth’s position in the Premier League, those defeats have clearly struck a chord with the manager.

Iraola is a young coach with a growing reputation, and he’s already doing a brilliant job during his first steps into English football. 

Players like Dominic Solanke are now at the peak of their game under Iraola, a manager who sets up his side on a positive foot.

And although his team ultimately came unstuck against Liverpool tonight, the Spaniard remained positive after the game.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Iraola was convinced that Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool were a cut above the rest. 

Iraola said: “I think Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool have all been really good against us.

“There’s a reason they are the top three teams. 

“Whenever they have a chance, they are clinical and when you make a mistake, they make you pay for it.”

Andoni Iraola names Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool as the Premier League’s best

Of course, Liverpool did take a huge step forward in the title race tonight.

The side’s rivals will have been hoping to see Klopp’s side drop points during a period in which they were missing Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander Arnold.

However, the likes of Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota have stepped up superbly.

And despite Arsenal’s emphatic 5-0 win against Crystal Palace yesterday, Klopp’s side are now five points clear at the top.

Man City do have a game in hand, with Guardiola’s side next to play in the league on 31st January against Burnley.

Before then, City will face Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup.

And both Tottenham and Aston Villa will probably feel hard done by not to be mentioned by the Bournemouth boss.

But ultimately Iraola is probably right in naming Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool as the main contenders this season – they’re further along with their projects.

And with the fixture schedule about to ramp up once again, it’ll be interesting to watch the title-race unfold. 

That being said, Gary Neville has now been criticising both Liverpool and Arsenal for a different matter today.