Bournemouth`s aspirations for European competition are revitalized thanks to Antoine Semenyo`s decisive goal.
The Ghanaian forward propelled the Cherries past Fulham in the battle for a Europa Conference League spot with a brilliant goal scored just 53 seconds into the match!
Semenyo`s goal, his eighth this season, lifted Bournemouth to eighth place in the league standings on goal difference and ended their seven-game winless streak.
Fulham will rue their missed opportunities, having controlled much of the game but failing to convert their chances.
This match was significant not only for European qualification but also as a showcase for two managers, Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth and Marco Silva of Fulham, both of whom have been mentioned in connection with the Tottenham Hotspur managerial position.
Bournemouth manager Iraola made one change to the starting lineup, replacing Illia Zabarnyi with Marcos Senesi in defense.
Fulham remained unchanged from their previous match where they defeated Liverpool.
However, any confidence from that victory was quickly dispelled at the Vitality Stadium.
Semenyo`s goal came swiftly, just 53 seconds into the game, as he skillfully maneuvered into Fulham`s penalty area and scored his fourth Premier League goal in 21 appearances.
Alex Scott initiated the play with a strong run, finding Semenyo, who then cut inside past Joachim Andersen to place the ball into the far corner of the net.
Bournemouth nearly extended their lead to 2-0 when Evanilson`s shot from close range hit the underside of the crossbar.
A defensive lapse by Bournemouth allowed Rodrigo Muniz a clear opportunity, but his shot went wide.
Fulham responded with headers from Muniz and Ryan Sessegnon, testing Bournemouth goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Before halftime, Alex Scott almost scored, but Fulham`s goalkeeper Bernd Leno made a save.
Zabarnyi replaced Senesi at halftime.
In the second half, Leno prevented Tyler Adams from scoring Bournemouth`s second goal with a foot save.
Fulham`s manager Silva made three substitutions, with Sessegnon visibly unhappy at being replaced.
Kepa then made a crucial diving save to deny Alex Iwobi an equalizing goal.
Later, Tom Cairney set up Sasa Lukic, but his shot was weak and easily saved by Kepa.
Despite being called a “Chelsea reject” by Fulham fans, Kepa`s performance earned him the man-of-the-match award.
Late in the game, Leno fouled Evanilson in the box, but VAR determined that Leno had played the ball first, negating penalty claims.
