Bournemouth climbed to second in the Premier League after Antoine Semenyo scored twice and provided an assist in a 3-1 win over Fulham.
The Ghana international was in inspired form on a stormy night at the Vitality Stadium, equalising with a superb solo effort before setting up Justin Kluivert and adding a stoppage-time second.
It takes the 25-year-old’s tally to six league goals this season — only Erling Haaland has more — and continues a remarkable run in which Semenyo has been directly involved in 12 Premier League goals since May.
Semenyo, who signed a new five-year deal in July despite interest from Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham, told the BBC afterwards: “Yeah, I’d like to think so [this is the best form of my life]. I thank God massively. He’s played a massive part in my life and I’m just reaping the rewards now.”
Bournemouth lost a string of first-team regulars in the summer, but manager Andoni Iraola says Semenyo’s rise has been pivotal: “He has played in other divisions, earning his way into the Premier League. He is very fundamental for us.”
Semenyo, born in London and once rejected by Arsenal, Spurs and Millwall as a teenager, joined Bournemouth from Bristol City for £10m in January 2023. He now leads the Premier League in duels won, possession gained in the final third and is among the top five for dribbles.
Team-mate Kluivert called him “world class”, while Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp added: “He just glides across that surface. An incredible, unique talent.”
Bournemouth are now one point behind leaders Liverpool.
About the Author
