Semenyo’s Early Strike Fires Bournemouth Past Fulham to Revive European Hopes

Vitality Stadium, April 15, 2025 — Antoine Semenyo struck just 53 seconds into the game to secure Bournemouth’s first Premier League win in nearly two months, edging Fulham 1-0 in a hard-fought contest.

The Cherries came out flying as Semenyo capitalized on a defensive lapse by Antonee Robinson, coolly bending the ball past Bernd Leno to give the hosts a perfect start. Bournemouth nearly doubled their lead on 15 minutes when Evanilson rattled the crossbar from close range, following an Alex Scott cutback.

Despite plenty of possession and pressure, Fulham couldn’t find the cutting edge. Rodrigo Muniz, Ryan Sessegnon, and Joachim Andersen all spurned good first-half opportunities, leaving the visitors trailing at the break.

Fulham dominated much of the second half, carving out the better chances, but were continually denied by Bournemouth goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. The Spaniard produced standout saves to thwart Alex Iwobi and Sasa Lukic, preserving his side’s slender lead.

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Late Drama, But Cherries Hold Firm

Bournemouth thought they had a chance to seal the result when Evanilson appeared to be brought down by Leno with 10 minutes left, but referee Michael Oliver — supported by VAR — ruled the Fulham keeper had made sufficient contact with the ball.

Andoni Iraola’s men showed resilience, especially after the break when Fulham pushed forward relentlessly. Defenders, including Dean Huijsen, who celebrated his 20th birthday, delivered crucial interventions to keep the visitors at bay.

The win sees Bournemouth leapfrog Fulham on goal difference into eighth place, putting them firmly back into the race for a European spot, with six matches remaining in the campaign. Depending on domestic cup results, eighth place could be enough for a UEFA Europa Conference League berth.

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Fulham Miss Their Moment

Fresh off an impressive victory over Liverpool, Fulham were slow to settle and paid the price for a lack of composure in front of goal. Muniz, chasing a fourth consecutive Premier League goal, was particularly wasteful — slicing wide after capitalizing on a Bournemouth defensive mix-up.

A flashpoint late in the first half saw Fulham appeal for a red card after Marcos Senesi’s high challenge on Andersen, but VAR upheld the on-field yellow card.

Despite an improved second-half showing, Marco Silva’s side couldn’t find a breakthrough and will now need to regroup as the battle for European qualification tightens.