ANDONI Iraola hopes that AFC Bournemouth will continue with their improved record at set pieces this season – even if he did not want to tempt fate by discussing it.

Last season Cherries were one of the worst sides in the Premier League at defending from dead-ball situations, Gary O’Neil’s side last season conceding 21 times from set-pieces.

After a shaky start to the campaign saw the trend continue, Cherries have managed to fix up at the back, with just 10 goals conceded at dead balls in 34 Premier League games this year.

And whilst Iraola commented that his side had improved in both boxes at free kicks and corners, the Basque boss feared jinxing his team by talking about it.

Asked about the improved record, Iraola told the Daily Echo: “You shouldn't ask me this because now next game we will concede a set-piece goal!

“But it's true that we have improved a lot from the beginning of the season, set pieces, offensively and defensively.

“I think our numbers have been really good, if you see the stats on both sides because we didn't start the season well in that area.

“And we knew even from the beginning it was something that we had to improve.

“But I hope we can continue and finish it well.”