In the 2023/24 season, Bournemouth were beaten 4-0 and 3-0 by Mikel Arteta’s team – a manager Iraola has known a long time, having played youth football with him in the Basque Country.
But this season has seen the Cherries turn that form completely around, sealing the club’s first ever league double over the Gunners in fine fashion.
After a 2-0 win at the Vitality Stadium in October, the Cherries arrived at the Emirates Stadium looking for their first away win against Arsenal.
And, despite trailing 1-0 at the break, Bournemouth turned the game around in the second half and came back to win thanks to two set piece goals, from Dean Huijsen and Evanilson.
Reflecting on the game and opposition, Iraola said: “Past season, I think the team that was better than us in both games was Arsenal. I think we lost here 3-0. We were a little bit better here.
(Image: John Walton/PA Wire) “Especially second half, we were close. We scored a disallowed goal.
“But especially first game we played they were much, much better than us.
“I think we've, not reduced the gap, we've been, I don't know with scoring set plays, things that you need against these teams because you are not going to have a lot of chances and they have gone our way this season.
“But for me, if it's not the most difficult place to come, it’s the second most difficult. It’s a very difficult team to face even now that we've won.”
On if it was a highlight of his managerial career, Iraola said: “I don't know, we've had good wins with Bournemouth, with Rayo, I think we've had good wins.
“But it's definitely something that you will not forget because to win in this kind of stadium is not easy. I think this is the second game they lose all the season in the Premier League here, so it's very difficult.”
On the Gunners, Iraola said they are the best defensive side in the league out of possession.
“You don't get a lot of chances against Arsenal,” he said.
“Normally, you can see the numbers of everything, the goals conceded, the chances conceded, it’s difficult.
“That's why the two, three chances you have, I was regretting the two for Evanilson, the header, the one he tries to chip Raya, he had I think Justin quite open and I was thinking it's difficult to get another this kind of two, three chances so clear.
“But I think now it has been by set plays, but I think Arsenal are very good.
“They continue being very good. They are doing an amazing season and I hope on Wednesday [the second leg of their Champions League semifinal vs PSG] they go ahead.”