On a crisp April evening at the Vitality Stadium, AFC Bournemouth snapped a six-game winless streak in the Premier League with a gritty 1-0 victory over Fulham, a result that breathed new life into their European qualification hopes. Antoine Semenyo’s goal after just 53 seconds proved decisive, as Andoni Iraola’s side leapfrogged their opponents into eighth place, with both teams locked on 48 points but Bournemouth edging ahead on goal difference. This tightly contested match showcased Bournemouth’s defensive resilience, Fulham’s attacking frustrations, and a tactical battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle. Here’s an in-depth look at how the match unfolded, key moments, player performances, and what this result means for both sides’ ambitions.
Bournemouth couldn’t have dreamed of a better start. Just 53 seconds into the match, Semenyo capitalized on a loose touch from Fulham’s Antonee Robinson, driving forward and arrowing a low, precise shot past Bernd Leno into the bottom corner. It was Bournemouth’s third-fastest Premier League goal ever, behind only Philip Billing’s nine-second strike against Arsenal in 2023 and Matt Ritchie’s 49-second effort against Tottenham in 2015. The early goal set the tone for a high-energy opening from the Cherries, who looked determined to end their winless run.
Fulham, stunned by the early setback, struggled to find their rhythm. Bournemouth’s high press, led by the industrious Tyler Adams and Lewis Cook in midfield, disrupted Marco Silva’s side, who are typically adept at playing out from the back. Despite this, Fulham had two golden opportunities to equalize before halftime. In the 31st minute, a mix-up between Bournemouth’s center-back pairing of Dean Huijsen and Marcos Senesi gifted Rodrigo Muniz a clear sight of goal, but the Brazilian dragged his shot wide. Six minutes later, Ryan Sessegnon found himself unmarked at the back post but could only head tamely into the arms of Kepa Arrizabalaga. These missed chances would prove costly.
Bournemouth weren’t without their own squandered opportunities. In the 17th minute, Milos Kerkez’s pinpoint cross found Alex Scott, who cushioned the ball for Evanilson inside the six-yard box. The Brazilian striker, who has nine Premier League goals this season, inexplicably struck the crossbar from point-blank range. It was Bournemouth’s 21st instance of hitting the woodwork this season, more than any other Premier League side, and Evanilson became the 10th different Cherries player to do so.
At halftime, Bournemouth led 1-0, with their defensive solidity—bolstered by an outstanding performance from Huijsen on his 20th birthday—holding firm against Fulham’s sporadic attacks.
Fulham came out with renewed intent after the break, dominating possession and pinning Bournemouth back for long spells. Marco Silva’s side, buoyed by their shock 3-2 win over Liverpool the previous weekend, probed for openings, with Alex Iwobi and Andreas Pereira pulling the strings in midfield. However, Bournemouth’s backline, marshaled by Huijsen and Illia Zabarnyi, stood tall. Kepa, too, was alert when called upon, notably claiming a dangerous cross from Robinson in the 90th minute despite colliding with Huijsen in the process.
Bournemouth’s attacking threat didn’t disappear entirely. In the 80th minute, Evanilson turned Calvin Bassey on the edge of the area, only for Leno to produce a superb diving save to deny him. Moments later, a VAR check for a potential penalty after Leno’s challenge on Evanilson came to nothing, much to the frustration of the home crowd.
Fulham’s best spell came between the 73rd and 84th minutes, as they won a flurry of corners and piled on the pressure. Substitute Tom Cairney’s overhit cross in the 84th minute summed up Fulham’s night—plenty of endeavor but lacking the precision needed to break through. A late mix-up in Fulham’s substitutions, where Sessegnon was mistakenly replaced instead of Robinson, added to their woes, with Silva later citing a “lack of communication” with the fourth official.