In a dramatic finale at the Vitality Stadium, Antoine Semenyo scored a fabulous 95th-minute winner to hand Bournemouth a crucial 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, finally ending the Cherries' agonising 11-game winless run in the Premier League.
A Farewell Gift for the Vitality Faithful
If this was to be Antoine Semenyo's final act in a Bournemouth shirt ahead of a mooted £65 million move to Manchester City, he delivered a perfect parting gift. Until his moment of magic, the winger had been largely subdued, receiving only polite applause before kick-off and struggling to influence the game. His key first-half contribution was a failed connection with a volley in the build-up to Junior Kroupi's goal, a fortunate moment as any touch would likely have seen the effort ruled out for offside.
However, as Tottenham pushed for an equaliser, Semenyo grew increasingly threatening. Manager Andoni Iraola kept faith with him, and the decision was vindicated in the fifth minute of stoppage time. After scoring the decisive goal, Semenyo was substituted to a standing ovation, shared a warm embrace with his boss, and then returned at full-time for what appeared to be an emotional goodbye to the home supporters.
Spurs' Away Dignity Finally Breached
Tottenham's respectable away form had been a highlight of their season, and they seemed to have salvaged a point when Joao Palhinha scored a spectacular overhead kick for a late equaliser. It was their 11th set-piece goal of the campaign. Earlier, Mathys Tel had ended a 10-hour drought for Spurs from open play by opening the scoring in the fifth minute, his low shot deflecting past goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic.
The defeat, however, was compounded by more injury woes for Ange Postecoglou's side. Lucas Bergvall trudged off disconsolately with a suspected thigh problem early in the second half, and Rodrigo Bentancur limped off near the end. Defender Micky van de Ven was also booked for a desperate dive after charging forward, with referee Darren England overturning an initial penalty decision after a VAR review.
The result means Tottenham have now failed to beat Bournemouth in their last four meetings, losing three, including both fixtures this season. Jeers and chants of 'ENIC out' echoed from the away section at the final whistle.
Cherries Arrest Alarming Slide
This victory provides massive relief for Andoni Iraola and his squad. After beating Nottingham Forest in late October, Bournemouth were second and discussing Champions League possibilities. The subsequent 11-game winless streak, yielding just five points, had plunged them into relegation concerns. This dramatic win against a top-half rival not only stops the rot but provides a huge morale boost for the challenges ahead, potentially achieved without their soon-to-depart star man, Antoine Semenyo.
