Andoni Iraola believes Liverpool are beginning to show clear signs of progress after Alexander Isak’s winner secured a 1-0 victory at AFC Bournemouth.

The Reds endured a difficult opening 20 to 25 minutes at the Vitality Stadium before gradually growing into the game, with Isak eventually providing the decisive moment shortly before the hour.

Iraola admitted he was disappointed by Liverpool’s start, but felt his side responded well enough to deserve the three points.

“I was disappointed with the first 20, 25 minutes, I think we didn’t start the game with the intensity the game required,” he said.

“To win here is very difficult, I know it very well.

“Normally Bournemouth start really strong and it took us these 20, 25 minutes until we matched a little bit this level and from there, I think at the end of the first half and second half we played better.”

Isak delivers again

Isak’s goal ultimately separated the sides after Cody Gakpo’s cross found Florian Wirtz, whose touch eventually allowed the Sweden international to finish first time.

Iraola felt the goal was another example of the realities facing a centre-forward.

“The striker’s job is like this,” he said.

“He had a couple of crosses that he doesn’t hit properly, one chance [he couldn’t] control and this.”

The Liverpool head coach stressed, however, that Isak’s contribution cannot simply be measured by whether he scores.

“I think he has to help us to be closer to the box, to play in the opposition half, to have meaningful possession and then, if the team is playing there, he will receive the rewards in terms of goals.”

Liverpool becoming more solid

Perhaps the most encouraging aspect for Iraola was another clean sheet.

Liverpool have now kept three consecutive shutouts in the Premier League, and the head coach believes familiarity within his back line is beginning to show.

“I think the more time — especially the defenders — they play together, I think it becomes more solid as a unit in the defensive line,” he explained.

“I think Jeremy [Jacquet] and Virgil [van Dijk], with the help now of Ronald [Araujo] and Milos [Kerkez], are getting the connections.

“I think it’s becoming more solid and in the moments that you need to defend the result or they are putting you under pressure, I think we are looking solid.”

That was particularly evident during the closing stages, when Bournemouth pushed Liverpool deep but struggled to create the clear chance required to equalise.

Jacquet takes another step

Jacquet received particular praise from Iraola after another assured display.

The 21-year-old has also earned his first senior France call-up, adding to an encouraging opening period at Liverpool.

“I’m happy for him because he’s also received his first international call-up,” Iraola said.

“He’s still very young, he is adapting really well to the Premier League.”

Iraola revealed the physical demands of English football had initially taken a toll on Jacquet during his first appearances.

“In the first games, physically he was feeling the change of rhythm, he was finishing with cramps, finishing really tired and we had to sub him.

“Today has been a step forward.

“He looked solid until the end and I think he’s finished physically also in a good place.

“I hope he can continue this development.”

Tougher tests are coming

Liverpool head into the international break with Iraola satisfied by the progress made during his opening month, but conscious there remains plenty to improve.

“I think overall we’ve improved, definitely since the first games,” he said.

“Some of the things we still need to improve, more things.

“I am happy it is the third clean sheet in a row in the league.”

The schedule awaiting Liverpool after the break will provide a much sterner examination.

Iraola pointed towards meetings with leading Premier League opposition alongside Champions League and Carabao Cup commitments as the next significant challenge for his squad.

“We have to get ready because this next month, after this break, it’s going be very demanding for us.”

An emotional return

The afternoon also carried personal significance for Iraola, who returned to Bournemouth for the first time as Liverpool head coach after three years at the club.

He admitted he had been impressed by the developments taking place at the Vitality Stadium since his departure.

“It looks nicer — everything — even the dressing room, where we do the press,” Iraola said.

“I can see already filling the corners [of the stadium] and I love it because I love this club.

“But I was delighted to see a lot of the people that I appreciate so much here.”

Liverpool leave with the points.

For Iraola, there was also evidence that the team he inherited is slowly becoming one he recognises as his own.