Antoine Semenyo strike lifts Bournemouth over Fulham in European race

Bournemouth end winless run as Semenyo punishes Fulham early in vital Premier League clash.

Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo celebrates with Tyler Adams after scoring their team’s first goal during the Premier League match at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth on April 14, 2025. Photo by John Walton/PA Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Antoine Semenyo strike lifts Bournemouth over Fulham in European race, reviving the Cherries’ aspirations of qualifying for European football after a gritty 1-0 Premier League win at the Vitality Stadium. The Ghanaian forward struck in the very first minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to net his 10th goal of the season and secure Bournemouth’s first league victory in seven attempts.

It was a crucial win for Andoni Iraola’s side, who leapfrogged both Fulham and Brighton to move into eighth place—within touching distance of the European qualification spots. After a concerning dip in form that saw them collect only two points from six matches, the result served as a much-needed response to reignite their campaign.

Semenyo punishes Fulham with early breakthrough

The match started in dramatic fashion. Bournemouth pounced on a loose ball just seconds after kick-off, and Antoine Semenyo needed no second invitation. After a wayward pass from Fulham's Timothy Castagne, Alex Scott charged forward on the counterattack. In a moment of hesitation, Fulham captain Antonee Robinson lost his footing, and Semenyo was quick to exploit the mistake. He cut inside Joachim Andersen and curled a low finish into the bottom-left corner past goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

That opener, clocked at just 51 seconds, stunned the visitors and injected confidence into a Bournemouth side desperate for a spark. The Semenyo goal, his 10th of a breakout season, reinforced his growing influence and continued his knack for delivering in big moments.

Bournemouth hold firm in high-stakes contest

After the early goal, Bournemouth didn’t sit back. In the 16th minute, Brazilian striker Evanilson nearly doubled the lead when he smashed a shot against the crossbar from close range. Fulham, however, were not without their chances in an open and entertaining first half.

Ryan Sessegnon should have equalized before halftime when he found himself unmarked in the box, only to head straight at Bournemouth keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. The Spaniard remained composed throughout the game, proving crucial in a tight contest that tested both defenses.

The second half saw tactical changes from both managers. Iraola brought on Illia Zabarnyi for Marcos Senesi at the break, shoring up the defense. Just ten minutes after the restart, Bournemouth again threatened to double their lead, but Leno produced a crucial save with his legs to deny Tyler Adams from close range.

Fulham boss Marco Silva responded with a triple substitution—introducing Tom Cairney, Adama Traore, and Raul Jimenez—but despite increasing pressure, the visitors could not find a way through.

Kepa and VAR keep Bournemouth ahead

Bournemouth's defensive discipline was matched by moments of VAR drama. In the 80th minute, Evanilson went down in the box after a challenge by Leno, appealing for a penalty. Referee Simon Hooper initially allowed play to continue, and a VAR review concluded that Leno had made contact with the ball—denying the hosts a spot-kick but validating the goalkeeper’s bravery.

Kepa was again called into action as Fulham threw numbers forward. He pulled off a fine save from Alex Iwobi and comfortably stopped a low drive from Sasa Lukic as the minutes ticked away.

With seven minutes of added time announced, Bournemouth had to withstand a final push from Fulham. But they stood tall, managing the clock expertly and preventing any clear-cut chances. When the final whistle blew, it marked their first win since beating Southampton in February and their first home victory since thrashing Nottingham Forest 5-0 in January.

European dreams back on track

After the match, goalscorer Semenyo emphasized the importance of the result, both in the table and emotionally for the team.

“All season long we have been grinding and beating the top six teams,” Semenyo told Sky Sports. “This little phase we are going through, losing and drawing, every team goes through that. But that is why this win is so important. I feel like what we have done this year we do definitely deserve the European places.”

His words reflect the belief within the squad that Bournemouth’s campaign is still very much alive. With just a handful of matches remaining, and European places now well within reach, the Cherries are set for an exciting finish to the season.

Iraola’s tactics hold strong under pressure

Manager Andoni Iraola’s adjustments throughout the game paid dividends. His decision to bring on Zabarnyi added needed stability in defense, while the balance between pressing high and defending deep was maintained effectively. Bournemouth didn't overcommit but remained threatening on the break, with Semenyo and Evanilson proving a constant menace.

The victory offers a timely confidence boost. For a side that had slipped from fifth to tenth in a matter of weeks, regaining their identity and resilience was essential. The clean sheet, combined with an energetic, high-tempo performance, signals that Iraola's team is ready to battle for every point from here on.

Fulham’s frustrations continue

For Fulham, the defeat is a setback in their own European hopes. The Cottagers entered the match on a decent run of form and had been climbing the table steadily. However, the early mistake and missed chances, particularly by Sessegnon, left Marco Silva ruing a wasted opportunity.

Despite positive contributions from Iwobi and Traore, Fulham lacked sharpness in front of goal. Raul Jimenez and Rodrigo Muniz, both of whom have been inconsistent this season, failed to make a lasting impact in the closing stages.

With tough fixtures ahead, including matches against Manchester City and West Ham, Fulham will need to regroup quickly to avoid falling further behind in the race for Europe.

What’s next for Bournemouth?

Next up, Bournemouth face a trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers before hosting Tottenham Hotspur in what could be a decisive match for their European hopes. With momentum back on their side and Antoine Semenyo in fine form, the Cherries have every reason to believe they can secure a place in next season’s UEFA Conference League or Europa League.

If they continue playing with the energy and conviction shown against Fulham, Bournemouth might just turn this season into a historic one.