Antoine Semenyo delivered a sensational performance for Bournemouth on Friday, scoring a brace and assisting another to guide the Cherries to a 3-1 comeback victory over Fulham.
The win propels them to an “unthinkable” second spot in the Premier League, just one point behind leaders Liverpool.
Despite losing approximately £200 million worth of key players over the summer, keeping the 25-year-old Ghana winger proved a masterstroke.
Semenyo’s two goals take his league tally to six for the season, a figure bettered only by Erling Haaland. Since May, he has been directly involved in a league-leading 12 goals (eight goals, four assists).
“He just glides across that surface. An incredible, unique talent,” said Jamie Redknapp.
The team’s success is also a massive tribute to manager Andoni Iraola. Despite initial scepticism, Iraola’s aggressive, high-pressing tactics—which include leading the league in duels won and possession recovered—have completely transformed the club.
His bold in-game substitutions against Fulham paid off, leading team-mate Justin Kluivert to call him an “amazing driver” who could “manage any team in world football.”
Bournemouth is currently in their highest-ever league position this deep into a top-flight season, proving that Iraola’s system and Semenyo’s “world-class” form have turned summer fears into European dreams.
