Semenyo and Evanilson Lead Bournemouth to Beat Southampton 3-1

AFC Bournemouth claimed their first home win of the season by defeating south-coast rivals Southampton 3-1 at the Vitality Stadium on Monday. The Cherries remained dominant from the first half and scored three goals.

Brazilian striker Evanilson scored the first goal for Bournemouth after a clever free-kick from Marcus Tavernier. Adding to the score, Dango Outtara scored the second goal by deflecting a shot from Lewis Cook towards former Bournemouth goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. Furthermore, Antoine Semenyo completed a fine solo run and made it 3-0 right before halftime.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis from Southampton reduced the deficit five minutes into the second half as he headed in a cross from Mateus Fernandes. In spite of the best effort from Southampton such as a close attempt by substitute Ben Brereton Diaz, Bournemouth’s defence stood strong to secure the win.

Match Insights:

• Southampton had a strong start with Maxwel Cornet’s deflected effort and Kepa Arrizabalaga saving from Ryan Fraser.

• Bournemouth’s first goal was scored by Evanilson with a volley after a quick free-kick through Marcus Tavernier’s assist.

• Dango Ouattara, assisted by Semenyo, scored the second goal for the team from close range after a Lewis Cook shot. 

• Antoine Semenyo rifled in a right-footed shot across Ramsdale for the third goal while navigating through Southampton’s defence.

• At halftime, triple substitutions of Joe Aribo, Ross Stewart and Ben Brereton Diaz came on.

• Taylor Harwood-Bellis put one for Southampton with a header from a Fabrice Fernandes cross.

• Both Stewart and Brereton Diaz missed chances to narrow the gap for Southampton. Evanilson also failed to capitalise on an opportunity for Bournemouth.

• Ryan Christie and Luis Sinisterra could extend Bournemouth’ lead but Ramsdale saved Sinisterra’s shot in added time.

Current Standings

After this victory, Bournemouth has moved up to the 11th spot in the current Premier League season whereas Southampton are at the second last position with just one point from six matches. Notably, the attacking trio of Evanilson, Ouattara and Semenyo was the main force behind Bournemouth and has increased manager Andoni Iraola’s hopes of a strong run for the Cherries.  

Meanwhile, Southampton’s woes continued and the manager Russell Martin was frustrated by his team’s poor performance in the first half. “I’m so hurt by the first-half performance after the first goal. I didn't recognise our team. I'm usually proud of them for the courage they show but there was no aggression and no courage, no intensity to play,” he stated.