Antoine Semenyo’s goal inside the opening minute gave Bournemouth a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Fulham at Vitality Stadium, ending their six-game winless run in the Premier League.
The home side made an ideal start as Semenyo intercepted Antonee Robinson’s pass and curled the ball past Bernd Leno after just 53 seconds. Bournemouth nearly doubled their advantage soon after, but Evanilson struck the crossbar following a well-placed cutback from Alex Scott.
Fulham had opportunities to respond before the interval, with Rodrigo Muniz, Ryan Sessegnon, and Joachim Andersen all failing to convert promising chances. Despite a positive spell of pressure from the visitors, Bournemouth held firm.
Resilient Bournemouth hold on for crucial three points
After a strong first half of the campaign, Andoni Iraola’s team had struggled for form in recent weeks, with their last league win dating back to mid-February. Their FA Cup hopes were also dashed in a quarter-final defeat to Manchester City.
Despite recent difficulties, the hosts showed composure and discipline to protect their lead, even with limited possession in the second half. Kepa Arrizabalaga, often under scrutiny, delivered an assured display in goal, denying Alex Iwobi and Sasa Lukic with vital saves.
Bournemouth believed they should have had a penalty late on when Leno appeared to make contact with Evanilson in the box. Referee Michael Oliver, however, ruled that the goalkeeper had played the ball, a decision upheld after a brief VAR check.
Dean Huijsen impressed on his 20th birthday, producing a key tackle to deny Raul Jimenez in the closing moments. The result lifts Bournemouth above Fulham into eighth, level on points but ahead on goal difference, maintaining their hopes of securing a European place.
Fulham unable to capitalise on momentum
Following their impressive victory over Liverpool, Fulham entered the match full of confidence but were caught cold almost immediately. Marco Silva’s side eventually found their rhythm but lacked the necessary quality in front of goal.
Sessegnon and Andersen both saw tame headers collected by Arrizabalaga, while Muniz squandered a golden opportunity after capitalizing on a mix-up between Bournemouth’s center-backs. The striker, aiming to score in a fourth consecutive league game, dragged his shot wide after breaking into the area.
Tensions flared just before the break when Marcos Senesi caught Andersen with a high challenge. Fulham appealed for a red card, but only a yellow was shown, and VAR supported the referee’s call.
The second half saw Fulham push forward with greater urgency, but they struggled to test the Bournemouth goalkeeper from close range. Leno kept the scoreline close with key stops to deny Scott and Tyler Adams, but the visitors left empty-handed.
