Bournemouth came from a goal down at halftime to defeat their hosts 2-1, thanks to two goals in three minutes from Rayan and Amine Adli.
Match report:
They came shortly after the hour mark, after the Cherries had conceded late on in the first period through an Iliman Ndiaye penalty that was given away by the young Brazilian.
The win takes Bournemouth to six games unbeaten and back into the top ten of the Premier League on 37 points from 26 games.
Reflecting on the game, Iraola told the Daily Echo: “I'm happy with the result.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola during the Premier League match at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool. (Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
“To be honest, I don't think it has been our best performance, but football is like this. I think we played much better against Villa the other day and you don't win the game, just one point.
“Today, probably the draw would have been, I think, like a more fair result, but we find a way.
“A set piece, also very important for us because Everton are one of the best teams, especially defensively on set plays, offensively a big threat.
“We've been preparing a lot on the other side, their set plays, and to score against them like this and to win the game is also a nice thing.”
The first half was flat, with few clear-cut chances for either side, so the penalty, which saw Rayan trip Jarrad Branthwaite after he tried to bring the ball out from the back, was perhaps something of a gift to the hosts.
But, after Everton missed opportunities to double their advantage in the opening exchanges of the second period, the Cherries had their best spell and punished their hosts.
Bournemouth's Alex Jimenez (centre) and Everton's Tyrique George (right) battle for the ballduring the Premier League match at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool. (Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
Asked about the second half performance, Iraola said: “I don't think we started well the second half.
“I think they had two clear chances, we made a couple of mistakes in the build-up where they could have scored a second one.
“Probably the game becomes very, very difficult. But it's true that after the subs, I would say, we've started taking care of the ball a little bit more.
“I agree [on] the first half. It was very flat and it's not good for us. We need things to happen.
“If we are just waiting, nothing happens, we are here nearly, no, we are not this team. We need to show some sense of urgency, some personality on the ball, a little bit more than we were showing in the first half.
“No, it's just, okay, the penalty is a mistake, can happen, but I don't think we were, not a disaster of a first half, but it was very vanilla — I haven't liked it.”