Bournemouth produced a good performance against the Gunners on Saturday, but they ultimately fell to a 3-2 defeat at the Vitality Stadium.
Iraola said his side match up well with Arsenal, and play in similar ways, but in key areas the level of Arsenal was much better than his side.
Match report:
“It's true that I agree that we have a lot of things in common, especially without the ball with Arsenal, the way we press or even a little bit lower, but probably their last defence, their box defence, their centre backs, the keeper,” Iraola said.
“The decisive moments from them are elite. And right now from us, we are very far from this level.
“And I think I enjoy in the sense that it's a challenge to face Mikel [Arteta]. Mikel is a top coach. It’s a group of players that have been with him a lot of time.
Andoni Iraola. (Image: Richard Crease)
“They know everything, they can adapt to everything. And I think we've played normally good games lately against them, but it's always difficult.”
Iraola said that another separating factor between them and their visitors was the way in which Arsenal found a way to make a difference and win the game.
“I think we've shown a lot of good things lately, not just today. I think the game against Chelsea, we played better than today.
“I finished more happy, but the mistakes we make are costing us a lot. And we are not being as efficient.
“Arsenal find a way, probably it's not their best game, or it's not the game they plan to play, but they find a way to win because the good teams find ways to win. And right now it's costing us a lot.”