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Antoine Semenyo‘s first-minute strike ended Bournemouth’s six-game winless run in the Premier League - Getty Images/Robin Jones
Antoine Semenyo struck inside 53 seconds as Bournemouth reignited their quest for continental qualification with a 1-0 Premier League victory over fellow European hopefuls Fulham at the Vitality Stadium.
Forward Semenyo clinically pounced on an early error from Cottagers captain Antonee Robinson to claim his 10th goal of the season and earn the Cherries a first win in seven league games.
Evanilson went close to doubling the hosts’ lead when he struck the woodwork before Andoni Iraola’s men hung on to climb to eighth – above their opponents and Brighton on goal difference.
Ryan Sessegnon wasted the best of Fulham’s chances to equalise – heading straight at Kepa Arrizabalaga in the first half – before seemingly being substituted incorrectly during the second period.
Bournemouth began the evening having taken just two points from a possible 18 during a dramatic drop-off in form since going fifth with a 3-1 success at relegated rivals Southampton on February 15.
Defender Marcos Senesi replaced Illia Zabarnyi in the only change from Bournemouth’s 2-2 draw at West Ham, while Fulham manager Marco Silva stuck with the team which defeated champions-elect Liverpool 3-2.
Bournemouth raced ahead inside a minute.
Alex Scott led the counter attack following a loose pass from Timothy Castagne and, after Robinson’s mistake, Semenyo nipped in to cut inside Joachim Andersen and curl the ball into the bottom-left corner.
The hosts should have increased their advantage in the 16th minute when Evanilson rattled the crossbar from only four yards out after Scott headed Milos Kerkez’s cross from the left back across goal.
Fulham also looked dangerous going forward during an entertaining first half.
Rodrigo Muniz threatened three times in quick succession, including flashing across goal following defensive dithering from Bournemouth centre-backs Senesi and Dean Huijsen, before the unmarked Sessegnon tamely nodded into the arms of Kepa.
Senesi was shown a yellow card for a lunging challenge on Andersen, despite winning the ball, while Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno kept out a low shot from Scott in added time.
Bournemouth manager Iraola replaced Senesi with Zabarnyi for the second half and almost saw his side double their lead in the 55th minute when the legs of Leno denied Tyler Adams.
Fulham manager Silva then looked unhappy amid confusion as he made a triple substitution which took around two-and-a-half minutes to complete.
Tom Cairney, Adama Traore and Raul Jimenez came on, with Sessegnon, who was withdrawn alongside Sander Berge and Muiz, appearing to be brought off incorrectly due to an admin error.
Bournemouth stopper Kepa clawed away an Alex Iwobi effort and comfortably saved from Sasa Lukic as the west London visitors pushed for a leveller.
At the other end, VAR deemed Leno got fingertips to the ball when Evanilson went down in the box seeking a penalty, 10 minutes from time.
The hosts comfortably held on during seven minutes of added time to claim an overdue victory – their first at home since thrashing Nottingham Forest 5-0 in January – and put their European push back on track. PA
10:43 PM BST
Thanks for your company
And that wraps up tonight’s blog. Thanks for your company.
10:41 PM BST
‘First 25 minutes showed we were not at the level’
Marco Silva speaking to Sky Sports: “In the first minute we conceded a really sloppy goal but we had 94 minutes more to play and change it. We knew in the first minutes it was important to take the right decisions, simple decisions. The first 25 minutes showed we were not at the level.
“The reaction after that was good and we had chances to equalise. The second half we controlled the game and pushed them back. Kepa took some time to go down at least three times, all that stuff, to break our momentum. We threw everything away with our first 25 minutes.”
On the substitute confusion: “When I saw Ryan [Sessegnon] coming off I knew it was a lack of communication between the fourth official and our staff about the numbers. This can happen sometimes, it shouldn’t, but it can happen.
“There were still two more changes to make so I think we had enough time to correct it. We’ve seen this situation many times but maybe it was not their best night so they did not want to correct it.”
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Fulham manager Marco Silva gestures on the touchline - Getty Images/Glyn Kirk
10:32 PM BST
‘This win comes in the perfect moment for us’
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola speaking to Sky Sports: “Very, very pleased with the performance. I think we needed this performance, defending our own box well, the clearances, the blocks, the basics, the set plays.
“We knew that Fulham is very good on the ball. For the first 55-60 minutes we pressed really well but then at the end you are always going to suffer. We had to concede the territory a little bit, go more compact and defend the box, and deal with the crosses.
“This win comes in the perfect moment for us. Next week we have another of these games against Crystal Palace, same as Fulham they are playing very well so let’s recover well and arrive in a good spot.”
10:29 PM BST
‘I should be getting better numbers’
Match winner Antoine Semenyo speaking to Sky Sports: “I feel like I should be getting more [goals and assists]. I’ve had numerous opportunities in games where I should have just smashed it or placed it, missed a couple of chances. I know for my own self with the quality I have I should be getting better numbers.
“I am working on it every week in training. The manager is helping me with little details, watching things over on clips. Hopefully with the last five or six games I can get a couple more goals and assists. There’s more to come.”
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Antoine Semenyo celebrates after scoring for Bournemouth - PA/John Walton
10:08 PM BST
How the table looks after tonight
10:06 PM BST
Two-footed talent
10:03 PM BST
Three huge points for Bournemouth
09:57 PM BST
Full time: Bournemouth 1 Fulham 0
Fulham, looking to make something happen, see another attack come to nothing as Kerkez clears.
And Michael Oliver blows for full time. Huge win for Bournemouth as they halt a run of six games without a win.
Andoni Iraola’s side overtake Fulham in eighth spot in the league table. Both sides are level on points, but Bournemouth have the better goal difference.
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Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola celebrates at full time - Reuters/Isabel Infantes
09:53 PM BST
90+4 mins: Bournemouth 1 Fulham 0
Fulham go on another attack as Cook receives a yellow card after a reckless tackle on Iwobi. The away side are unable to make any inroads though as Bournemouth deal with it.
09:50 PM BST
90+2 mins: Bournemouth 1 Fulham 0
We are in to the closing stages now as the game enters stoppage time.
Five minutes to be played as Kepa goes down after colliding with his team-mate Huijsen after coming out to gather a cross into his area.
09:47 PM BST
89 mins: Bournemouth 1 Fulham 0
Fulham win a corner, taken by Willian, but it is punched away from Kepa in the Bournemouth goal.
The home side then go on the attack but Bassey is there to put a stop to it just outside the Fulham area.
Bournemouth change as goalscorer Semenyo is replaced by Julio Soler.
09:45 PM BST
86 mins: Bournemouth 1 Fulham 0
Andersen wins a free-kick after being brought down by Adams who earns himself a yellow card. Fulham are unable to take any advantage of the free-kick opportunity, though.
09:42 PM BST
84 mins: Bournemouth 1 Fulham 0
Robinson plays in a deep cross looking for the head of Traore but Kerkez is first to it. Corner Fulham.
Evanilson heads is first to it and heads out for another Fulham corner.
This time Ouattara heads out for another Fulham corner. Then Evanilson again, before Smith Rowe plays the ball out of play.
Another Fulham change, Willian comes on for Lukic.
09:39 PM BST
81 mins: Bournemouth 1 Fulham 0
Bournemouth get hold of the ball, as the game enters the final 10 minutes, but are quickly dispossessed as Traore goes down looking for a free-kick but Oliver says no foul.
Evanilson then gets away from Bassey but Leno quickly rushes off his line to stop the Brazilian as VAR have a look to see just how much the German got on the ball. VAR check complete. No penalty.
09:34 PM BST
75 mins: Bournemouth 1 Fulham 0
Bournemouth seize possession after some head tennis in midfield. Fulham then win the ball back as Robinson plays in a cross that Cairney picks up. The midfielder attempts to shoot but Kepa is eqaul to it.
09:31 PM BST
72 mins: Bournemouth 1 Fulham 0
Fulham win another throw-in deep inside Bournemouth’s half.
Silva’s side continuing to test the home side’s defence as Robinson plays in a cross but the linesman blows for offside.
Now Kepa is receiving attention from the Bournemouth medical staff which seems rather convenient as Fulham were building momentum. The Spaniard is all good to continue.
09:27 PM BST
68 mins: Bournemouth 1 Fulham 0
Adama Traore attempts to cross the ball in the area after a good run. Bournemouth deal with the pressure.
Iwobi then sees a decent long-range effort saved by Kepa as the away side begin to attack with greater intent.
Cairney then gets himself booked after chopping down Semenyo, as Fulham make their fourth change as Emile Smith Rowe replaces Pereira.
09:21 PM BST
64 mins: Bournemouth 1 Fulham 0
Bournemouth win a corner. Fulham initially clear before the home side win the ball back after Cairney misplaces a pass.
Substitution for the home side as Marcus Tavernier comes on for Scott.
09:19 PM BST
61 mins: Bournemouth 1 Fulham 0
Game is being played at a good pace, with both sides sharing an equal amount of possession.
Robinson gives away a free-kick that is taken by Cook and met by Evanilson who heads over.
09:17 PM BST
58 mins: Bournemouth 1 Fulham 0
Triple change for Fulham. On come Adama Traore, Raul Jimenez and Tom Cairney for Sessegnon, Berge and Muniz.
Fulham admin error as it looked as if Silva did not want Sessegnon to come off.
09:13 PM BST
54 mins: Bournemouth 1 Fulham 0
Bournemouth then go on the attack down their right but are unable to advance as the linesman blows up for offside.
Ball back with Fulham but only for a short period as the home side win the ball back and immediately rush forward.
Tyler Adams then sees a shot stopped by Leno in the Fulham goal after some tidy passing from Bournemouth.
09:09 PM BST
51 mins: Bournemouth 1 Fulham 0
Bournemouth forward Evanilson looks to be in some discomfort as he is seen to by the medical staff.
The Brazilian was holding his right shoulder but all looks well as he returns to the pitch.
09:07 PM BST
48 mins: Bournemouth 1 Fulham 0
Iwobi goes on an attacking run for Fulham. Sessegnon picks up the ball but is successfully challenged by Semenyo.
Fulham win the ball back again and look to make something happen before playing the ball out for a throw-in after a misplaced pass.
09:03 PM BST
46 mins: Bournemouth 1 Fulham 0
We are back under way, as Fulham kick off the second half.
Bournemouth make a half-time change in defence as Illia Zabarnyi replaces Senesi who was on a yellow card.
Fulham unchanged.
08:49 PM BST
Half time: Bournemouth 1 Fulham 0
Referee blows for half time. Bournemouth go in the happier of both sides as they lead by a single goal, but Fulham are more than in this game after having a series of chances on goal.
All to play for in the second half!
08:47 PM BST
46 mins: Bournemouth 1 Fulham 0
Scott has an effort on goal with a low left-footed shot but Leno saves.
08:46 PM BST
45 mins: Bournemouth 1 Fulham 0
It is now all Bournemouth as the game enters stoppage time. Two minutes to be played.
08:44 PM BST
43 mins: Bournemouth 1 Fulham 0
Bassey wins a free-kick for Fulham after being fouled by Evanilson. Fulham play it forward as Robinson attempts to cross but it is blocked and goes out for a corner.
Pereira takes but Fulham are unable to do anything with the ball, as Senesi is issued with the first yellow card after a dangerous challenge on Andersen. The Argentine was showing studs as he dived in.
08:41 PM BST
39 mins: Bournemouth 1 Fulham 0
Fulham, finishing the first half strongly, look to go on another attack but Milos Kerkez halts Sessegnon’s attempt to play the ball into the box and celebrates as if he just scored a goal.
08:38 PM BST
36 mins: Bournemouth 1 Fulham 0
Semenyo and Smith exchange passes down the right and win a corner for Bournemouth as Smith’s cross is blocked.
Bassey heads the corner, taken by Kerkez, out behind goal. Another corner for Bournemouth.
This time Cook takes and Bournemouth are unable to make anything of it.
Fulham then go up the other end, Iwobi plays in a lovely cross to Muniz who is unable to make a good connection with the ball.
08:34 PM BST
33 mins: Bournemouth 1 Fulham 0
After some good defending from Fulham, Pereira bursts forward and plays in a cross that is eventually dealt with by Bournemouth.
Fulham then win another corner. Pereira takes and Muniz meets it with his head but again, it is no challenge for Kepa in the Bournemouth goal.
08:31 PM BST
30 mins: Bournemouth 1 Fulham 0
Muniz fires wide following a mix up between Huijsen and Senesi in the Bournemouth defence.
08:30 PM BST
28 mins: Bournemouth 1 Fulham 0
Sander Berge drives the ball up the field for Fulham and wins a free-kick.
It is taken quickly as the away side look to get into the Bournemouth box but their attack comes to nothing.
08:27 PM BST
24 mins: Bournemouth 1 Fulham 0
Calvin Bassey gives away a free-kick that is taken by Bournemouth’s Adam Smith.
Lewis Cook plays the ball into box and it is picked up by Evanilson who has an effort on goal but is blocked and goes out for a corner.
Cook then sees a long-range effort go wide.
08:21 PM BST
20 mins: Bournemouth 1 Fulham 0
Muniz wins another free-kick for Fulham that Andreas Pereira takes.
Joachim Andersen meets the ball with a header but it does not trouble Kepa in the Bournemouth goal.
08:19 PM BST
18 mins: Bournemouth 1 Fulham 0
Bournemouth hit the crossbar after Milos Kerkez plays in cross that is met by Evanilson with a right-footed effort.
Fulham then go up the other end with Iwobi attempting a shot on goal which is blocked by Dean Huijsen.
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Milos Kerkez, under pressure from Ryan Sessegnon, crosses into the box - Getty Images/Glyn Kirk
08:14 PM BST
14 mins: Bournemouth 1 Fulham 0
The away side are starting to see more of the ball now as they win the first corner of the evening.
Adam Smith clears but Fulham still have the ball. Alex Iwobi, trying to find Sessegnon, plays in a deep cross but it comes to nothing.
08:11 PM BST
10 mins: Bournemouth 1 Fulham 0
Antonee Robinson takes a throw-in for Fulham as the away side look to get into the game.
Ryan Sessegnon then gives away a free-kick after Milos Kerkez puts the winger under pressure in the Bournemouth box.
Sessegnon has another go down Bournemouth’s left but that also comes to nothing.
08:07 PM BST
5 mins: Bournemouth 1 Fulham 0
Bournemouth, buoyed by their fast start, are seeing a lot of the ball in the opening stages.
Andoni Iraola’s side are passing it nicely between defence and midfield as they go on another attack down Fulham’s right.
08:02 PM BST
1 min: Bournemouth 1 Fulham 0
Bournemouth kick things off, kicking from right to left, as Rodrigo Muniz wins a free-kick for the away side.
Bournemouth win the ball back and break immediately and Antoine Semenyo scores with the first effort on goal.
Incredible start for the home side.
07:57 PM BST
The teams are out!
Michael Oliver is the man in the middle, by the way.
07:52 PM BST
Players warm up ahead of kick off
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Bournemouth players warm up ahead of kick off - Reuters/Isabel Infantes
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Fulham’s Ryan Sessegnon shoots during the warm up - Reuters/John Sibley
07:44 PM BST
Henry talks European prospects for both sides
️ "What they're doing is magnificent"
Thierry Henry on Fulham and Bournemouth potentially playing in Europe next seasonpic.twitter.com/95BsC479Tx
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 14, 2025
07:29 PM BST
Dean Huijsen turns 20 today
One of our mascots made a birthday card for Deanopic.twitter.com/6b6qdAnx7G
— AFC Bournemouth (@afcbournemouth) April 14, 2025
07:18 PM BST
Silva on Fulham adjusting their style
07:17 PM BST
Iraola talks Bournemouth’s approach
07:13 PM BST
Fulham team in black and white
Fulham Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Lukic; Sessegnon, Pereira, Iwobi, Muniz.
Subs Benda, Tete, Cuenca, Reed, Cairney, Smith Rowe, Traore, Willian, Jimenez.
Marco Silva has named the same starting XI from the Liverpool victory.
The Fulham bench is stacked with the likes of Emile Smith Rowe, Raul Jimenez, Willian and Adama Traore all on the bench.
07:09 PM BST
Bournemouth team in black and white
Bournemouth Kepa; Smith, Senesi, Huijsen, Kerkez; Adams, Cook; Ouattara, Scott; Semenyo; Evanilson.
Subs Dennis, Araujo, Hill, Zabarnyi, Winterburn, Soler, Tavernier, Brooks, Jebbison.
Andoni Iraola has made one change as Marcos Senesi replaces Illia Zabarnyi in the centre-back position. It is the first time Senesi will partner Dean Huijsen in central defence.
Justin Kluivert missed the West Ham game is still out, but Marcus Tavernier returns to the bench.
06:51 PM BST
Fulham team
Marco Silva's Fulham.️#BOUFULpic.twitter.com/bMFPug2VKP
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) April 14, 2025
06:51 PM BST
Bournemouth team
06:50 PM BST
Player arrivals
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Bournemouth midfielder David Brooks takes a selfie with a fan - Reuters/Isabel Infantes
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Fulham forwards Raul Jimenez and Willian sign autographs for fans - Reuters/Isabel Infantes
06:32 PM BST
Bournemouth-Fulham preview
Good evening and welcome to coverage of Bournemouth versus Fulham at the Vitality Stadium.
Bournemouth have not won since beating Southampton 3-1 in February. Since then Andoni Iraola’s side have only picked up two points from seven matches. In their last outing, against West Ham last weekend, they took the lead before going behind – striker Evanilson scoring both goals in a 2-2 draw.
Fulham, high on confidence following victory over Liverpool in their last game, were on a run of two consecutive defeats in all competitions (including a 3-0 FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Crystal Palace) before that 3-2 win over Arne Slot’s men.
Speaking to the media in his pre-match press conference, Bournemouth manager Iraola confirmed Scotland international Ryan Christie is out for the season after undergoing surgery. “Ryan Christie is out for the season. He needed surgery and I think he has been pushing through pain all season,” said Iraola.
Bournemouth are hopeful midfielder Marcus Tavernier and forwards Justin Kluivert and Luis Sinisterra will play some part in tonight’s game after the trio missed last weekend’s trip to the London Stadium due to injury.
In his pre-match press conference, Fulham manager Silva spoke about the club’s desire to “fight” for a European place for next season. “Dreaming can be for our fans because of the love they have for the football club. We are in a position that allows us to fight, we have a reason to fight, and we are going to do it,” said the Portuguese manager.
In the reverse fixture back in December the game ended 2-2 at Craven Cottage. Raul Jimenez gave the home side the lead before Evanilson drew Bournemouth level. Harry Wilson then put Fulham 2-1 up before Dango Ouattara rescued a point for the visitors with an 89th-minute effort.
Fulham are two places above 10th-placed Bournemouth in the league. A win for the away side will see them consolidate their position in eighth, while victory for the home side will see them go level on points with Fulham and Brighton on 48 points.
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