Semenyo bags two goals as Bournemouth overcome their opponents
The Cherries fans likely worried about a downturn when a significant number of key players left in the off-season.
However retaining Antoine Semenyo turned out to be an absolute brilliant move, as the Ghana winger has inspired their ascent to the runner-up position in the Premier League.
The 25-year-old found the net twice and assisted one as Bournemouth overturned a deficit to defeat Fulham 3-1 on Friday, moving to within a single point of division leaders Liverpool.
His first goal to level the scores was special as he picked up the ball on the left wing, left opponents in his wake, advanced to the touchline and slotted the ball past the goalkeeper's legs from a narrow position.
He then, he assisted Justin Kluivert's goal before netting in injury time on a fast break.
This takes him up to sixth league goals this campaign, only behind Manchester City's prolific striker Erling Haaland.
Since the beginning of May, he has been contributing in more goals than every other footballer in the Premier League (12 – 8 goals, 4 assists).
Not bad for a talent the Robins signed from the local academy at the young age of 17.
"We had a hard night to compete, but it didn't matter to him," stated former England midfielder Jamie Redknapp on Sky Sports.
"He moves across that pitch. An incredible, unique player. So wonderful to see.
"Doesn't matter if it's his right, his left, it's all the same for him."
The Star in Flying Form
Antoine Semenyo was the deciding factor between his team and Fulham
While almost 50% of the club's starting lineup left in the summer, the forward was linked with moves to United, the Reds and Tottenham.
However in the end he agreed to a long-term contract back on 1 July.
This has proved to be fantastic business for the Cherries, for he is among the in-form players in the league right now.
Last season, the 25-year-old attacker hit double figures for the first occasion in his career – 11 goals in the Premier League, 13 in all competitions.
This season, he has netted six goals in his opening seven Premier League matches and set up three more.
He was asked following the game if this was the best performance of his career.
"Yeah, I'd like to think so," he responded. "I thank God massively. He's played a huge role in my journey and I'm just enjoying the benefits now. So yes, I thank him constantly."
Many teams wishing they had made the risk on him before.
The player qualifies for Ghana through his parent, but he is hails from London. He was rejected by Arsenal, Tottenham and Millwall as a teenager before ending up in a regional academy managed by former Leeds and Forest Green manager the coach.
Bristol City acquired him in 2017, but he needed temporary moves at City, County and Sunderland before securing a place in the Bristol City first team in the 2020-21 season.
In January 2023, he made the £10m transfer to the Cherries – and he has been progressing continuously.
"In my opinion he is a player with confidence," commented manager Andoni Iraola.
"His confidence has been growing with him. He has featured in different leagues, earning his way into the Premier League. He is very fundamental for us."
His statistics are exceptional currently. He is first in the Premier League for duels successful, first for ball won in the attacking area, second for sprints and among the best for runs with the ball. In addition to his goals, naturally.
Fellow player Kluivert said: "He's incredible. He demonstrates it each match these days. He is just top-tier."
'The Manager Could Coach Every Club'
The Bournemouth boss is performing a superb job with the team
The Cherries manager Iraola will be a coach in demand when he chooses to leave.
He, a Basque coach, has been in charge since last year after the surprise dismissal of his predecessor.
Many were not happy initially, with Iraola not being a well-known figure – and previously coached Cyprus, Mirandes and Rayo Vallecano.
However the hiring has been a remarkable success, with the team ending up twelfth and then ninth.
They have not been as elevated as second place in the Premier League more than two matches into a season.
In addition to his impressive work in maintaining a winning team, even when it appeared most of their stars were leaving in the off-season, his strategies were perfect on matchday.
During a brief period he had three backline players on the field in place of 4. And that turned the match.
In the 78th minute he brought on a attacker for a defensive player. They were 1-0 down.
Soon after, he brought on a forward for a defender. The team was 2-1 up.
"It was necessary to take risks and put on additional offensive players and it worked," he explained. "The players have to create the impact and in this match they delivered it."
Justin Kluivert commented: "He is incredible. If you consider also the guys that have departed the team, how we are performing now is incredible.
"I often say that the driver of the bus is the manager and he is driving us on a crazy route. Brilliant leader, so we follow him."
Jamie Redknapp said: "Iraola could manage every club in the sport.
"He develops individuals, everything they do is thrilling. They have to appreciate him while he is with them. For how much longer? Who knows?
"Is it possible for them to keep doing the unthinkable, like reaching the top six? They deserve it and anything is attainable as long as they retain the manager because he is that big an asset for the team."
Bournemouth Take Off-Season Rebuild in Their Stride
Many felt that Bournemouth overachieved when they finished in ninth place the previous campaign – and for a while there was also talk of European competition.
Subsequently three of their defensive line – Zabarnyi, Milos Kerkez and Dean Huijsen – left for several the continent's elite clubs for almost £150m.
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