In a dramatic finale at the Vitality Stadium, Antoine Semenyo scored a sensational injury-time winner to gift Bournemouth a vital 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur. The goal, struck in the 96th minute, ended the Cherries' longest winless run in the Premier League era and provided a perfect farewell for the forward, who is set to join Manchester City.
A Dream Departure for Semenyo
For the vast majority of the match, marking his 26th birthday, Semenyo had been a peripheral figure, notable only for receiving a yellow card. However, with the game poised at 2-2 deep into added time, he seized his moment. Collecting the ball on the edge of the Tottenham penalty area, he unleashed a sublime, curling shot that flew past the helpless goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario. The strike sparked wild celebrations, with Semenyo embarking on a knee-sliding celebration across the turf, sealing a memorable end to his Bournemouth career.
Spurs' Early Lead Evaporates Before Half-Time
Tottenham, wearing black armbands in memory of club legend Martin Chivers, had taken an early lead. After just five minutes, Mathys Tel, making a rare start, cut inside from the left and curled a fine finish into the far corner. Despite missing key attackers like Dominic Solanke and James Maddison through injury, Spurs looked comfortable.
That comfort was shattered before the interval as Bournemouth struck twice. First, Evanilson marked his 50th Premier League appearance by heading home a Marcus Tavernier cross. Then, another Tavernier delivery found Marcos Senesi, who pulled the ball back for Junior Kroupi to tap in. The 19-year-old Kroupi now has seven league goals this season, drawing him level as Europe's top-scoring teenager.
Palhinha's Wonder Goal Overshadowed by Late Drama
The second half saw Spurs' frustrations grow, compounded by an injury to Lucas Bergvall. They thought they had a penalty when Micky van de Ven went down, but a VAR review led to the decision being overturned and a yellow card for the defender. Their persistence seemed to have paid off with a moment of brilliance from João Palhinha, who scored a spectacular overhead kick to make it 2-2.
It appeared Spurs had salvaged a point, but Bournemouth and Semenyo had other ideas. The late winner condemns Thomas Frank's side to a continued poor run of just two wins in their last 13 league matches, leaving their problems laid bare. For Andoni Iraola's Bournemouth, the victory after 11 games without a win provides a massive morale boost, even as they prepare for life without their match-winner.
