ANDONI Iraola says his main reasoning behind dropping Lewis Cook into an unfamiliar centre-back role was to quell the threat of Eberechi Eze.
In the build-up to the game, Iraola highlighted the danger Crystal Palace’s star man posed, Eze having missed Cherries’ 2-0 win at Selhurst Park in December due to injury.
Last season, Eze scored three goals against Cherries, as Palace secured two 2-0 wins of their own.
And the 25-year-old started for Oliver Glasner’s Eagles at Vitality Stadium, finding the net just before half-time, only for the goal to be ruled out following a tight offside call.
Cherries went on to win 1-0 thanks to Justin Kluivert’s late strike.
- Iraola reveals illness issues in Cherries camp ahead of Crystal Palace clash
With Chris Mepham ruled out through illness, Iraola opted to play midfielder Cook at centre-back, alongside Illia Zabarnyi, with Adam Smith and Lloyd Kelly at full-back. That was despite having defensive options such as James Hill, Max Aarons and Milos Kerkez available as substitutes.
