Bournemouth have recorded three consecutive home wins for the first time since 1931 after Antoine Semenyo's first-minute opener proved enough to condemn Fulham to a narrow 1-0 defeat in the battle between the two European hopefuls.
The Cherries made the perfect start to their efforts to end a six-game winless run, with Semenyo capitalising on an Antonee Robinson error to score Bournemouth's fastest Premier League goal of the season.
Evanilson then threatened to add to his nine-goal Premier League tally when he steered the ball onto the crossbar from close range.
Fulham dominated possession in the second period as they searched for an equaliser, but they ultimately struggled to carve out too many clear-cut chances against a stubborn backline.
The Cherries expertly managed the game to keep their first Premier League clean sheet since February, helping them end a run of four consecutive home defeats in the top flight.
As a result of the win, Andoni Iraola's side have leapfrogged Fulham into eighth spot due to their favourable goal difference, while the Cottagers are in ninth position following a third consecutive away defeat.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
© Imago
The Cherries desperately needed this win to get their European bid back on track after enduring a poor run of results.
Iraola would have been particularly pleased to see his team keep a clean sheet, given the fact they had conceded two goals in each of their five Premier League matches before the meeting with Fulham.
In contrast, Fulham's frustrating evening was summed up when an apparent admin error led to the mistaken withdrawal of Ryan Sessegnon, with the sloppiness off the field reflected in the visitors' performance on the pitch.
The Cottagers have now seen each of their last four Premier League victories followed by defeats, and Marco Silva will be fully aware his team will have to find some consistency if they are to secure European qualification.
BOURNEMOUTH VS. FULHAM HIGHLIGHTS
Semenyo goal vs. Fulham (1st min, Bournemouth 1-0 Fulham)
"A lightning start from the Cherries!" 🍒
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 14, 2025
Clinical from Semenyo! 🎯 pic.twitter.com/tq5Yo73kx8
Bournemouth get off to the perfect start. The Cherries mount a quick break away through Alex Scott, who sends a pass out to the right flank. Robinson gets his leg in a tangle in an attempt to make the interception. Semenyo pounces on the error and drives inside onto his left foot before placing the ball in the far corner.
MAN OF THE MATCH - ANTOINE SEMENYO
© Imago
After going nine competitive games without a goal, Semenyo would have been relieved to end his goal drought with his composed strike.
The Ghana international showcased great composure to create the space to score what proved to be the winning goal.
While it may not have been a flawless performance, Semenyo deserves the Man of the Match award for being the difference maker at the Vitality Stadium.
BOURNEMOUTH VS. FULHAM MATCH STATS
Possession: Bournemouth 41%-59% Fulham
Shots: Bournemouth 12-12 Fulham
Shots on target: Bournemouth 3-7 Fulham
Corners: Bournemouth 6-9 Fulham
Fouls: Bournemouth 11-10 Fulham
BEST STATS
8+8 - Since the start of last season, Antoine Semenyo is one of four Premier League players to score at least eight goals with both his right foot (8) and left foot (8) along with Jean-Philippe Mateta (19R, 9L), Yoane Wissa (15R, 8L) and Chris Wood (13R, 8L). Ambipedal. pic.twitter.com/uyZsXyPGeM
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 14, 2025
LIGHTNING START! ⚡
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) April 14, 2025
Antoine Semenyo puts Bournemouth ahead 53 seconds in 🔥
It's the Cherries' fastest goal in the Premier League this season 🤩#BOUFUL #AFCB pic.twitter.com/B9V9oghYUz
WHAT NEXT?
After returning to winning ways, Bournemouth will look to claim back-to-back victories when they travel to Selhurst Park for Saturday's Premier League fixture.
Meanwhile, Fulham will try to bounce back when they welcome West London neighbours to Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon.
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