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Semenyo scores twice as Bournemouth beat Fulham
Bournemouth supporters may have harbored concerns following the departure of £200m worth of first-team players during the summer transfer window.
However, retaining the services of Antoine Semenyo has proven to be an astute decision, with the Ghana international emerging as a pivotal figure in their ascent to second place in the Premier League standings.
The 25-year-old forward contributed two goals and an assist as Bournemouth rallied from behind to defeat Fulham 3-1 on Friday, moving within a single point of league leaders Liverpool.
His equalizing goal was particularly noteworthy, as he collected the ball on the left flank, evaded several defenders, advanced to the byline, and skillfully slotted the ball through Bernd Leno’s legs from a narrow angle.
Semenyo subsequently provided the assist for Justin Kluivert’s goal before sealing the victory with a late counter-attack.
This performance elevates his league goal tally to six for the season, placing him second only to Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.
Since the beginning of May, Semenyo has been directly involved in more goals than any other Premier League player, contributing eight goals and four assists for a total of 12.
Remarkably, this is the same player who was scouted by Bristol City from the South Gloucestershire and Stroud College academy at the age of 17.
“It was a challenging night for football due to the weather conditions, but Semenyo remained unfazed,” noted former England international Jamie Redknapp on Sky Sports.
“He effortlessly glides across the pitch, displaying an exceptional and unique talent. It’s truly a pleasure to witness.
“Whether it’s his right foot or left foot, it makes no difference to him.”
Semenyo hits double as Bournemouth beat Fulham to move second
Antoine Semenyo proved to be the decisive factor in Bournemouth’s victory over Fulham
Despite the departure of a significant portion of Bournemouth’s first-team squad during the summer, Semenyo was linked with potential transfers to Manchester United, Liverpool, and Tottenham.
However, he ultimately committed his future to the Cherries by signing a five-year contract on July 1.
This decision has proven to be a masterstroke for Bournemouth, as Semenyo has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most in-form players.
Last season, the 25-year-old Ghana international reached double figures for the first time in his career, scoring 11 league goals and 13 goals across all competitions.
This season, he has already scored six goals in his opening seven Premier League appearances, while also providing three assists.
When asked by the BBC after the game whether he was currently in the best form of his career, Semenyo responded:
“Yes, I believe so. I am incredibly grateful to God, who has played a significant role in my life, and I am now reaping the rewards. I am always thankful to him.”
Many clubs will undoubtedly be regretting their failure to take a chance on him earlier in his career.
Semenyo is eligible to represent Ghana through his father, but he was born in London. He was previously turned down by Arsenal, Spurs, and Millwall during his youth before joining a West Country academy managed by former Leeds and Forest Green manager Dave Hockaday.
Bristol City signed him in 2017, but he required loan spells at Bath, Newport, and Sunderland before establishing himself in the Robins’ first team during the 2020-21 season.
In January 2023, he completed a £10 million transfer to Bournemouth, where he has continued to develop ever since.
“I believe he is a player with immense confidence,” commented Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola.
“His confidence has grown over time as he has progressed through various divisions, ultimately earning his place in the Premier League. He is an integral part of our team.”
His statistics are currently exceptional, ranking first in the Premier League for duels won, first for possession won in the final third, second for sprints, and among the top five for dribbles, in addition to his impressive goal-scoring record.
Teammate Justin Kluivert praised Semenyo, stating: “He is incredible. He demonstrates his ability every game now. He is simply world-class.”
Andoni Iraola is doing a brilliant job with Bournemouth
Bournemouth manager Iraola is poised to become a sought-after coach when he decides to pursue new opportunities.
The 43-year-old Basque coach has been at the helm since 2023, following the unexpected dismissal of Gary O’Neil.
The decision to appoint Iraola, who lacked widespread recognition and had previously managed AEK Larnaca, Mirandes, and Rayo Vallecano, was met with skepticism by many.
However, the appointment has proven to be a resounding success, with the club finishing 12th and then ninth in the league standings.
The club has not been as high as second in the top flight more than two games into a season.
In addition to his impressive ability to maintain a successful team despite the departure of key players during the summer, Iraola’s tactical decisions on Friday were impeccable.
For a six-minute spell, he deployed three defenders instead of four, a change that proved to be pivotal in the game.
In the 78th minute, with his team trailing 1-0, he replaced a defender with a winger.
In the 85th minute, with his team leading 2-1, he once again replaced a defender with a winger.
“We had to take risks and introduce more attacking players, and it paid off,” he explained. “The players have to make the difference, and today they did.”
Kluivert added: “He is incredible. Considering the players that have left the team, our current performance is remarkable.
“I always say that the coach is the driver of the bus, and he is taking us on an incredible journey. He is an amazing driver, and we are all following him.”
Redknapp commented: “Iraola is capable of managing any team in world football.
“He improves players, and everything they do is exciting. They should cherish him while he is here. How long will he stay? Who knows?
“Can they continue to defy expectations and potentially finish in the top six? They certainly deserve it, and anything is possible as long as they retain the manager, as he is such a valuable asset to the club.”
Many believed that Bournemouth had overachieved by finishing ninth last season, with some even speculating about European qualification.
However, three of their first-choice defenders – Illia Zabarnyi, Milos Kerkez, and Dean Huijsen – subsequently departed for some of Europe’s top clubs for a combined fee of approximately £150 million.
Furthermore, they were unable to make goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga’s loan move from Chelsea permanent, with the Spaniard ultimately joining Arsenal instead.
The club recouped over £200 million in transfer fees, including the sale of forward Dango Ouattara to Brentford.
This season’s defense comprises a blend of new signings and existing players.
Left-back Adrien Truffert, a signing from Rennes, and centre-back Marcos Senesi, who joined in 2022, have featured in every Premier League game.
Centre-back Bafode Diakite, who arrived from Lille, has played in all but one game, and four other defenders have started at least one league match.
Goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, who joined from Kepa’s former club Chelsea, has played every minute so far.
Even before Friday’s game, Bournemouth had won possession more times than any other Premier League team, engaged in more duels, and made more recoveries than any other team.
Their players had also made more sprints and recorded the lowest passes per defensive action, indicating the intensity of their pressing game.
They also lead the league in long passes and clearances.
What is their potential finishing position?
“We remain grounded because the season is long,” Kluivert cautioned. “But who knows? We are aiming for the highest possible finish.”
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