Bournemouth`s aspirations for European competition are revitalized thanks to an early goal from Antoine Semenyo.
The Ghanaian forward propelled the Cherries past Fulham in the standings for a Europa Conference League spot with a brilliant goal scored just 53 seconds into the match!
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Credit: PA
Semenyo’s goal, his eighth this season, lifted Bournemouth to eighth place on goal difference and ended their run of seven games without a win.
Fulham left the match frustrated, having controlled much of the game but failing to convert their chances.
The match was significant not only for European qualification but also because both managers, Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth and Marco Silva of Fulham, have been mentioned as potential replacements for Tottenham`s manager Ange Postecoglou.
Bournemouth made one change to their starting lineup from the previous draw against West Ham, with Marcos Senesi replacing Illia Zabarnyi.
Fulham remained unchanged after their 3-2 victory over Liverpool.
However, any confidence Fulham had from defeating Liverpool was quickly dashed at the Vitality Stadium.
Semenyo needed only 53 seconds to navigate into Fulham`s penalty area and score his fourth Premier League goal in 21 appearances.
Alex Scott initiated the play with a strong run, finding Semenyo, who then skillfully moved past Joachim Andersen and placed the ball into the far corner.
Bournemouth almost made it 2-0 after 17 minutes when Evanilson`s shot from close range hit the crossbar.
A precise cross from Milos Kerkez was redirected by Scott, but Evanilson`s half-volley struck the woodwork.
A moment of hesitation between Senesi and Dean Huijsen allowed Rodrigo Muniz an opportunity, but the Fulham striker shot wide when through on goal.
This spurred Fulham into action, with Muniz and Ryan Sessegnon testing Bournemouth goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga with strong headers.
Before halftime, Scott nearly scored himself, but his effort was saved by Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno.
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Zabarnyi was brought on for Senesi at halftime.
Ten minutes into the second half, Fulham were indebted to Leno for preventing a second Bournemouth goal from Tyler Adams.
Fulham manager Silva made a triple substitution around the hour mark, with Sessegnon visibly unhappy at being replaced.
Kepa then made a crucial diving save to deny Alex Iwobi an equalizer shortly after the substitutions.
Later, substitute Tom Cairney set up Sasa Lukic, but his shot was weak and straight at 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 appeared to have conceded a penalty when he collided with Evanilson.
However, VAR intervened, determining that Leno had punched the ball away before the collision.
