The Vitality Stadium is an impregnable fortress of Bournemouth, is no plain statement. It is factual to the core, and the Cherries, as Bournemouth are fondly known, have humbled all and sundry in their backyard. Fulham realised the truth behind the statement last night as they visited Bournemouth for the first match of Day 7 in the EPL 25/26.
The first half was well fought, though Bournemouth had the edge, but Bernd Leno, Fulham’s German goalkeeper, was in brilliant form as he kept Bournemouth at bay. Petrovic in goal for Bournemouth was superb too. The first half eventually ended in a 0-0 stalemate. But the second half was as riveting as one expected.
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Fulham scored against the run of play in the 70th minute through Ryan Sessegnon, which stunned the crowd. Fulham had forged ahead, and an upset was on the cards. But Bournemouth, who have defended the walls of their fortress tooth and nail, responded in kind.
Any word of praise for Antoine Semenyo, the Ghanaian International and Bournemouth’s talisman, would not be enough. He has been a revelation for Bournemouth and a critical cog in their entire set-up, and he once again proved his worth with a brilliant solo effort from the left wing in the 78th minute. Semenyo’s control and footballing skills were on display as he scored from the narrowest of angles between Leno’s legs in an incredible effort. The Cherries had equalised.
Six minutes later, Justin Kluivert struck a screamer from well outside the box to score a sensational goal. The power, the direction and placement of the strike got the better of Leno. It was a staggering effort from Kluivert, one of the best goals of this season. With 2-1 up, the match had tilted decisively in Bournemouth’s favour.
Semenyo added another in stoppage time to ensure an incredible victory for Bournemouth. The Cherries had once again succeeded in defending their home ground in another incredible performance. The fact is that no one does it better than Bournemouth.
Fulham were made to eat humble pie with a good dose of cherries. With the victory, Bournemouth reached 3rd place in the league table after Liverpool and Tottenham.
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